Wireless device and methods for use in determining classroom attendance

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments include, for example, a wireless device that includes a short-range wireless transceiver to communicate RF signals including a beacon signal to identify the wireless device and to facilitate the association of the wireless device with the plurality of mobile communication devices in proximity to the wireless device. Each corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes a mobile communication device processor that executes a student application, downloaded from an app store associated with the operating system of the corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices that facilitates location of the corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices. Attendance data is stored indicating that a student associated each corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices is in a classroom associated with the wireless device. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to35 U.S.C. § 120 as a continuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No.16/034,998, entitled “WIRELESS DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USE IN DETERMININGCLASSROOM ATTENDANCE”, filed Jul. 13, 2018, which is a continuation ofU.S. Utility application Ser. No. 15/623,064, entitled “WIRELESS DEVICEAND METHODS FOR USE IN DETERMINING CLASSROOM ATTENDANCE”, filed Jun. 14,2017, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,049,549 on Aug. 14, 2018, which is acontinuation of U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 14/932,526 entitled“WIRELESS DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USE IN DETERMINING CLASSROOMATTENDANCE”, filed Nov. 4, 2015, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,715,807 onJul. 25, 2017, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Utilityapplication Ser. No. 14/281,077, entitled “WIRELESS DEVICE AND METHODSFOR USE IN A PAGING NETWORK”, filed May 19, 2014, issued as U.S. Pat.No. 9,295,024 on Mar. 22, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S. Utilityapplication Ser. No. 14/044,202, entitled “WIRELESS DEVICE AND METHODSFOR USE IN A PAGING NETWORK”, filed Oct. 2, 2013, issued as U.S. Pat.No. 8,768,381 on Jul. 1, 2014, which is a continuation of U.S. Utilityapplication Ser. No. 12/713,346, entitled “WIRELESS DEVICE AND METHODSFOR USE IN A PAGING NETWORK”, filed Feb. 26, 2010, issued as U.S. Pat.No. 8,588,806 on Nov. 19, 2013, all of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference in their entirety and made part of the present U.S.Utility patent application for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Technical Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to wireless communication devices.

Description of Related Art

As is known, wireless communication devices are commonly used to accesslong range communication networks as well as broadband data networksthat provide text messaging, email services, Internet access andenhanced features such as streaming audio and video, television service,etc., in accordance with international wireless communications standardssuch as 2G, 2.5G, 3G and 4G. Examples of such networks include wirelesstelephone networks that operate cellular, personal communicationsservice (PCS), general packet radio service (GPRS), global system formobile communications (GSM), and integrated digital enhanced network(iDEN).

Many wireless telephones have operating systems that can runapplications that perform additional features and functions. Apart fromstrictly wireless telephony and messaging, wireless telephones havebecome general platforms for a plethora of functions associated with,for example, navigational systems, social networking, electronicorganizers, audio/video players, shopping tools, and electronic games.Users have the ability to choose a wireless telephone and associatedapplications that meet the particular needs of that user. Consequently,the wireless telephone has, in some ways, become an important device formany aspects of the user's life. Misplacing a user's wireless telephonecan be an annoying experience. Further, while a wide range of wirelesstelephones and applications are available today, other functions andfeatures are desirable, particularly for use in conjunction with otherwireless devices.

The disadvantages of conventional approaches will be evident to oneskilled in the art when presented the disclosure that follows.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 presents a pictorial representation of a location system for usewith a handheld wireless communication device 110 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 presents a pictorial representation of a location system for usewith a handheld wireless communication device 110 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 presents a schematic block diagram of a wireless device 120 andadjunct device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 presents a pictorial representation of a location system for usewith a handheld wireless communication device 110 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 presents a graphical representation of an antenna pattern inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 presents a schematic block diagram of an antenna 148 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 presents a schematic block diagram of an antenna 148′ inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 presents a schematic block diagram of an antenna 148″ inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 presents a graphical representation of a signal magnitude inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 presents a schematic block diagram of adjunct device 100 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 presents a graphical representation of a difference signal inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 15 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 16 presents a schematic block diagram of wireless devices 70 and 72in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 presents a schematic block diagram of paging networks 90 and 92in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 170 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 172 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 presents a schematic block diagram of a wireless device 122 andadjunct device 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 presents a schematic block diagram of devices 91, 93 and 95 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 190 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 192 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 presents a schematic block diagram of a wireless device 123 andadjunct device 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 25 presents a schematic block diagram of devices 210, 212 and 214in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 26 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 220 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 222 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 28 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 29 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 30 presents a pictorial representation of screen pointing system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 31 presents a schematic block diagram of video device 254 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 32 presents a schematic block diagram representation of a locationsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 presents a schematic block diagram of a handheld wirelesscommunication device 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 34 presents a pictorial representation of a back view of an adjunctdevice 330 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 35 presents a pictorial representation of a cutaway side view of anadjunct device 330 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 36 presents a pictorial representation of a front view of awireless device 325 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 37 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 38 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 39 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 40 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 41 presents a block diagram representation of wireless device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 42 presents a pictorial representation of wireless device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 43 presents a diagram of classroom in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure.

FIG. 44 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 45 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

FIG. 1 presents a pictorial representation of a location system for usewith a handheld wireless communication device 110 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a handheld wirelesscommunication device 110, such as a smart phone, digital book, netbook,personal computer with wireless data communication or other wirelesscommunication device that includes a wireless transceiver forcommunicating over a long range wireless network such as a cellular,PCS, CDMA, GPRS, GSM, iDEN or other wireless communications networkand/or a short-range wireless network such as an IEEE 802.11 compatiblenetwork, a Wimax network, another wireless local area network connectionor other communications link. Handheld wireless communication device 110is capable of engaging in wireless communications such as sending andreceiving telephone calls and/or wireless data in conjunction with textmessages such as emails, short message service (SMS) messages, pages andother data messages that may include multimedia attachments, documents,audio files, video files, images and other graphics. Handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 includes one or more processing devices forexecuting other applications and a user interface that includes, forexample, buttons, a display screen such as a touch screen, a speaker, amicrophone, a camera for capturing still and/or video images and/orother user interface devices.

Wireless device 120 is shown that includes a user interface thatincludes push buttons 10, a light emitter 14 such as a light emittingdiode (LED) or other emitter, and sound emitter 12 such as a beeper,buzzer, speaker or other audio device. While particular user interfacedevices are shown, the wireless device can similarly include otherdevices such as a touch screen or other display screen, a thumb wheel,trackball, and/or other input or output devices. The user interface ofthe wireless device 120 generates a location request signal in responseto an indication from a user by for instance, pushing one of the pushbuttons 10.

Wireless device 120 further includes a short-range wireless transmitterthat transmits an RF paging signal, such as paging signal 16 in responseto the location request signal. The short-range wireless transmitter canbe part of a transceiver that operates in conjunction with acommunication standard such as 802.11, Bluetooth, ZigBee,ultra-wideband, Wimax or other standard short or medium rangecommunication protocol, or other protocol.

Adjunct device 100 includes a housing that is coupleable to the handheldwireless communication device 110 via a communication port of thehandheld wireless communication device 110. The adjunct device 100includes a short-range wireless receiver that receives the RF pagingsignal, such as paging signal 16. The short-range wireless receiver ofadjunct 100 can also be part of a transceiver that operates inconjunction with a communication standard such as 802.11, Bluetooth,ZigBee, ultra-wideband, Wimax or other standard short or medium rangecommunication protocol, or other protocol. In particular, theshort-range wireless receiver of adjunct device 100 is configured toreceive the paging signal 16 generated by wireless device 120.

Adjunct device includes its own user interface having push buttons 20,sound emitter 22 and light emitter 24 that emit audio and/or visualalert signals in response to the paging signal 16 to assist the user inlocating the handheld wireless communication device. As with the userinterface of wireless device 120, the user interface of adjunct device100 can similarly include other devices such as a touch screen or otherdisplay screen, a thumb wheel, trackball, and/or other input or outputdevices.

In operation, a user can attach the adjunct device 100 to his or herhandheld wireless communication device 110. If the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 is lost or mislaid, the user can locate thehandheld wireless communication device by activating a paging button onthe wireless device 120 that causes paging signal 16 to be broadcast.The adjunct device 100 responds to the paging signal 16 by flashinglight emitter 24 and/or emitting a loud sound such as a beeping, buzzingor other alarm signal via sound emitter 22. The user can locate thehandheld wireless communication device 110 by homing in on the visualand/or audio emissions.

The further operation of wireless device 120 and adjunct device 100,including several optional implementations, different features andfunctions spanning complementary embodiments are presented inconjunction with FIGS. 2-40 that follow.

FIGS. 2 and 3 present pictorial representations of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, adjunct device100 and handheld wireless communication device 110 are decoupled.Handheld wireless communication device 110 includes a communication port26′ and adjunct device 100 includes a mating plug 26 for coupling theadjunct device 100 to the communication port 26′ of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110. In an embodiment of the present disclosure,the communication port 26′ and plug 26 are configured in conjunctionwith a standard interface such as universal serial bus (USB), Firewire,or other standard interface, however, a device specific communicationport such as an Apple iPod/iPhone port, a Motorola communication port orother communication port can likewise be employed. Further, while aphysical connection is shown, a wireless connection, such as a Bluetoothlink, 802.11 compatible link, an RFID connection or other wirelessconnection can be employed in accordance with alternative embodiments.

As shown in FIG. 3, adjunct device 100 is coupled to the handheldwireless communication device 110 by plug 26 being inserted incommunication port 26′. Further, adjunct device 100 includes its owncommunication port 28′ for coupling, via a mating plug 28, the adjunctdevice 100 to an external device 25, such as a computer or other hostdevice, external charger or peripheral device. In an embodiment of thepresent disclosure, the communication port 28′ and plug 28 areconfigured in conjunction with a standard interface such as universalserial bus (USB), Firewire, or other standard interface, however, adevice specific communication port such as an Apple iPod/iPhone port, aMotorola communication port or other communication port can likewise beemployed.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjunct device passessignaling between the external device 25 and the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 including, for instance, charging signals fromthe external connection and data communicated between the handheldwireless communication device 110 and the external device 25. In thisfashion, the external device can communicate with and/or charge thehandheld wireless communication device with the adjunct device 100attached, via pass through of signals from plug 28 to communication port26′. It should be noted however, that while communication ports 28′ and26′ can share a common physical configuration, in another embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the communication ports 28′ and 26′ can beimplemented via different physical configurations. For example,communication port 26′ can be implemented via a device specific portthat carries USB formatted data and charging signals and communicationport 28′ can be implemented via a standard USB port. Other examples arelikewise possible.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the adjunct device 100is coupled to handheld wireless communication device 110, the adjunctdevice 100 initiates communication via the communication port 26′ todetermine if an application is loaded in the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110—to support the interaction with the adjunctdevice 100. Examples of such applications include a location applicationor other application that operates in conjunction with the adjunct 100.If no such application is detected, the adjunct 100 can communicate viacommunication port 26′ to initiate a download of such an applicationdirectly or to send the browser of the handheld wireless communicationdevice 110 to a website store at a remote server or other location wheresupporting applications can be browsed, purchased or otherwise selectedfor download to the handheld wireless communication device 110.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, when a supportingapplication is loaded in handheld wireless communication device 110, thehandheld wireless communication device 110 initiates communications viathe communication port 26′ to determine if an adjunct device 100 iscoupled thereto or whether or not an adjunct device has never beencoupled thereto. If no such adjunct device 100 is detected, theapplication can instruct the user to connect the adjunct device 100.Further, the application can, in response to user selection and/or anindication that an adjunct device has not been previously coupled to thehandheld wireless communication device 110, automatically direct abrowser of the handheld wireless communication device 110 to a websitestore at a remote server or other location where a supporting adjunctdevices 100 can be selected and purchased, in order to facilitate thepurchase of an adjunct device, via the handheld wireless communicationdevice 110.

In a further embodiment, the application maintains a flag that indicatesif an adjunct device 100 has previously been connected. In response toan indication that an adjunct device has not been previously coupled tothe handheld wireless communication device 110, the application canautomatically direct a browser of the handheld wireless communicationdevice 110 to a website store at a remote server or other location wherea supporting adjunct devices 100 can be selected and purchased, in orderto facilitate the purchase of an adjunct device, via the handheldwireless communication device 110.

FIG. 4 presents a pictorial representation of a location system for usewith a handheld wireless communication device 110 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, adjunct device 100and wireless device 120 can operate in a reciprocal fashion to locatewireless device 120. In particular, wireless device 120 includes ahousing that is attachable to or includes a ring, clip or other fastenerthat can be coupled to key 30 as shown or to another personal objectsuch as a coat, a person, a pet or other thing. Further, wireless device120 can be embodied as a card or other device that can be slipped into awallet, an article of clothing, a bag or other thing to be located.

In any of these cases, the wireless device 120 includes its ownshort-range wireless receiver that receives a paging signal 112transmitted by adjunct device 110. In response to the paging signal 112,a light or sound emitter of wireless device 120 emits a detectable alertsignal that helps the user locate the personal object. In an embodimentof the present disclosure, the adjunct device 100 operates in a similarfashion to wireless device 120 to initiate the paging signal 112. Inparticular, the transmission of paging signal 112 can be initiated bypressing a button or otherwise interacting with the user interface ofadjunct 100. In a further embodiment, handheld wireless communicationdevice 100 includes an interactive application that generatesapplication data that is passed to adjunct device 100 via thecommunication port of the handheld wireless communication device 100.Adjunct device 100 responds to such application data by initiating thetransmission of the paging signal 112. In either case, a user ofhandheld wireless communication device 110 that wishes to locate his orher key 30, or other object coupled to wireless device 120, initiatesthe paging signal 112. The user can then locate the wireless device 120and corresponding object by homing in on the visual and/or audioemissions of the wireless device 120.

FIG. 5 presents a schematic block diagram of a wireless device 120 andadjunct device 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In particular, wireless device 120 includes short-rangewireless transceiver 130 coupled to antenna 138, processing module 131,user interface 132 and memory 133. While not expressly shown, wirelessdevice 120 can include a replaceable battery for powering the componentsof wireless device 120. In the alternative, wireless device 120 caninclude a battery that is rechargeable via an external charging port,for powering the components of wireless device 120. Adjunct device 100includes short-range wireless transceiver 140 coupled to antenna 148,processing module 141, user interface 142 and memory 143, deviceinterface 144, and battery 146. The processing modules 131 and 141control the operation of the wireless device 120 and adjunct device 100,respectively and provide further functionality described in conjunctionwith, and as a supplement to, the functions provided by the othercomponents of wireless device 120 and adjunct device 100.

As discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4, the short-range wirelesstransceivers 130 and 140 each can be implemented via a transceiver thatoperates in conjunction with a communication standard such as 802.11,Bluetooth, ZigBee, ultra-wideband, Wimax or other standard short ormedium range communication protocol, or other protocol. User interfaces132 and 142 each can contain one or more push buttons, a sound emitter,light emitter, a touch screen or other display screen, a thumb wheel,trackball, and/or other user interface devices.

The processing module 131 can be implemented using a microprocessor,micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, centralprocessing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logicdevice, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/ordigital) based on operational instructions that are stored in memory,such as memory 133. Note that when the processing module 131 implementsone or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry,digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing thecorresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, orexternal to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Further note that,the memory module 133 stores, and the processing module 131 executes,operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the stepsand/or functions illustrated herein.

The memory module 133 may be a single memory device or a plurality ofmemory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, randomaccess memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device thatstores digital information. While the components of wireless device 120are shown as being coupled by a particular bus structure, otherarchitectures are likewise possible that include additional data bussesand/or direct connectivity between components. Wireless device 120 caninclude additional components that are not expressly shown.

Likewise, the processing module 141 can be implemented using amicroprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions that arestored in memory, such as memory 143. Note that when the processingmodule 141 implements one or more of its functions via a state machine,analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memorystoring the corresponding operational instructions may be embeddedwithin, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine,analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Furthernote that, the memory module 143 stores, and the processing module 141executes, operational instructions corresponding to at least some of thesteps and/or functions illustrated herein.

The memory module 143 may be a single memory device or a plurality ofmemory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, randomaccess memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device thatstores digital information. While the components of adjunct device 100are shown as being coupled by a particular bus structure, otherarchitectures are likewise possible that include additional data bussesand/or direct connectivity between components. Adjunct device 100 caninclude additional components that are not expressly shown.

As shown, the adjunct device includes a battery 146 that is separatefrom the battery of the handheld wireless communication device 110 andcan supply power to short-range wireless transceiver 140, processingmodule 141, user interface 142, memory 143, and device interface 144 inconjunction with a power management circuit, one or more voltageregulators or other supply circuitry. By being separately powered fromthe handheld wireless communication device 110, the adjunct 100 canoperate even if the battery of the handheld wireless communicationdevice is discharged. In this fashion, the user can still page theadjunct device 100 to locate the handheld wireless communication device110 when the battery of the handheld wireless communication device isdischarged.

Device interface 144 provides an interface between the adjunct device100 and the handheld wireless communication device 110 and an externaldevice 25, such as a computer or other host device, peripheral orcharging unit. As previously discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-4,the housing of adjunct device 100 includes a plug, such as plug 26, orother coupling device for connection to the communication port 26′ ofthe handheld wireless communication device 110. In addition, the housingof adjunct device 100 further includes its own communication port, suchas communication port 28′ or other coupler for connecting to an externaldevice 25. Device interface 144 is coupled to the communication port 28′that operates as a charging port. When adjunct device 100 is connectedto an external source of power, such as external device 25, deviceinterface 144 couples a power signal from the external power source tocharge the battery 146. In addition, the device interface 144 couplesthe power signal from the external power source to the communicationport of the handheld wireless communication device 110 to charge thebattery of the handheld wireless communication device. In this fashion,both the handheld wireless communication device 110 and the adjunctdevice 100 can be charged at the same time. Further, the handheldwireless communication device 110 can be charged while the devices arestill coupled—without removing the adjunct device 100 from the handheldwireless communication device 110.

While the battery 146 is separate from the battery of the handheldwireless communication device 110, in an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the device interface 144 is switchable between an auxiliarypower mode and a battery isolation mode. In the battery isolation mode,the device interface 144 decouples the battery 146 from the battery ofthe handheld wireless communication device 110, for instance, topreserve the charge of battery 146 for operation even if the battery ofthe handheld wireless communication device 110 is completely orsubstantially discharged. In the auxiliary power mode, the deviceinterface 144 couples the power from the battery 146 to the handheldwireless communication device 110 via the communication port to chargethe battery of the handheld wireless communication device 110. In thisfashion, the user of the handheld wireless communication device 110 ator near a discharged state of the handheld wireless communication devicebattery could opt to draw power from the battery 146. In an embodimentof the present disclosure, signaling from user interface 142 could beused to switch the device interface 144 between the battery isolationmode and the auxiliary power mode. Alternatively or in addition,signaling received from the handheld wireless communication device viathe communication port, or remotely from wireless device 120, could beused to switch the device interface 144 between the battery isolationmode and the auxiliary power mode.

Device interface 144 includes one or more switches, transistors, relays,or other circuitry for selectively directing the flow of power betweenthe external device 25, the battery 146, and the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 as previously described. In addition, thedevice interface 144 includes one or more signal paths, buffers or othercircuitry to couple communications between the communication port of theadjunct device 110 and the communication port of the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 to pass through communications between thehandheld wireless communication device 110 and an external device 25. Inaddition, the device interface 144 can send and receive data from thehandheld wireless communication device 110 for communication between theadjunct device 100 and handheld wireless communication device 110.

FIG. 6 presents a pictorial representation of a location system for usewith a handheld wireless communication device 110 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, adjunct device100 operates as previously described to transmit a paging signal 112. Inthis embodiment however, wireless device 120 transmits a location signal114 via short-range wireless transceiver 130, such as a beacon signal orother location signal. Adjunct device 100 aids the user of handheldwireless communication device 110 in homing in on the location signal114 based on the signal strength of the location signal 114 as receivedby short-range wireless transceiver 140.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 executes a location application that operatesunder user control to initiate the transmission of paging signal 112 tolocate key or keys 30 or other object associated with wireless device120. The signal strength of the location signal 114 from short-rangewireless transceiver 140 is converted to signal strength data byprocessing module 141 and sent to handheld wireless communication device110 via device interface 144 and the communication port of the handheldwireless communication device 110. The signal strength data is used bythe location application to generate a graphical user interfaceincluding display screen 150. As shown, display screen 150 includes anindication 152 of the particular object being located and a visualsignal strength indication 154. In this fashion, the user can movearound with the handheld wireless communication device 110 and hunt forthe key or keys 30, guided by changes in the visual signal strengthindication 154. In particular, the user of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 can move about, seeking to maximize the visualsignal strength indication 154 until the key or keys 30 are located.

While signal strength is described above as a measure of approximatedistance to a remote device, the time of flight methodology described inconjunction with FIG. 37 or other distance approximations can likewisebe employed.

FIG. 7 presents a graphical representation of an antenna pattern inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. A possiblereception pattern of antenna 148 of adjunct device 100 is shown. Theantenna pattern 160 is shown in two dimensions, corresponding to, forinstance, the horizontal plane of the user. In particular, antenna 148can include a pair of loop antennas, monopoles or dipoles or otherantenna configurations that are aligned in position and phase to have adirectional pattern that includes a single null. While a cardioidpattern is presented, other antenna patterns with a single null or withmultiple nulls, such as multiple closely spaced nulls may also beemployed.

As previously discussed, the short-range wireless transceiver 140generates signal strength in response to the location signal 114 fromwireless device 120. The signal strength is used to generate signalstrength data that is communicated to the location application ofhandheld wireless communication device 110 via the communication port ofthe handheld wireless communication device. The use of a directionalantenna in the implementation of antenna 148 can assist the locationapplication in determining a direction to the wireless device 120. Forexample, the user can change the orientation of the handheld wirelesscommunication device to determine the direction to the wireless device120. The location application can detect when the orientation of thehandheld wireless communication device corresponds to the direction ofthe wireless device, based on the signal strength data. When the nulldirection of the antenna 148 is pointing toward the wireless device 120,a null signal strength reading will occur. The location application canindicate a match to the user to inform him or her that the handheldwireless communication device 110 is pointed toward the wireless device120.

In an alternative embodiment, the user is instructed to “turn around” togather 360 degrees of directional data. The signal strength data can beanalyzed in conjunction with one or more orientation sensors of thehandheld wireless communication device 110, to determine a direction tothe wireless device 120. In particular, the location application candetermine the particular orientation of the device corresponding to thepoint where the null of antenna pattern 160 is aligned with thedirection to the wireless device 120, and feedback that direction to theuser via a directional indicator.

In an alternative embodiment, the antenna 148 includes a steerablepattern 160 that includes a steerable null. The location application ofhandheld wireless communication device 110 can, for example, instructthe user to stand still while the short-range wireless transceiver 140completes a directional sweep. The location application sendsapplication data to the adjunct device via device interface 144 thatinstructs the processing module 141 to command the programmable antennato sweep the null direction by 360 degrees and to collect correspondingsignal strength data. Analysis of the signal strength data by thelocation application can be used to determine the direction to thewireless device 120 based on the direction corresponding to the null.Feedback of that direction can be provided to the user via a directionalindicator generated by the location application.

Further discussion of these features including several differentembodiments and optional features are discussed in conjunction withFIGS. 8-15 that follow.

FIG. 8 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a display screen162 is shown that includes a signal strength indication 164 and anindication of direction 166 that can be used in conjunction with thelocation application examples discussed in association with FIG. 7. Itshould be noted that the location application of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 can operate to invert the signal strength datato generate the signal strength indication 164 so that when the nulldirection of the antenna pattern 160 is aligned with direction towireless device 120, the low signal strength caused by the null istranslated into a high signal strength indication, indicating to theuser the device is pointed in the right direction.

In this particular embodiment, the indication of direction 166 is fixed,and is pointed in the null direction of the antenna 148. As the userchanges the orientation of the handheld wireless communication device110, the (inverted) signal strength indication 164 varies. When theinverted signal strength indication 164 peaks, this indicates that thenull direction of the antenna 148 (and the indication of direction 166)is pointing toward the wireless device 120.

FIG. 9 presents a schematic block diagram of an antenna 148 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,antenna 148 includes two separate antennas 168 and 169 that areselectable by switch 161 in response to control signal 165. In anembodiment of the present disclosure, the antenna 168 is anomnidirectional or substantially omnidirectional antenna and antenna 169has a radiation pattern that includes a null, as described inconjunction with FIGS. 7-8. RF signals 167 are sent or received by theparticular antenna 168 or 169 that is selected. The control signal 165can be generated by processing module 141 or application data from alocation application of handheld wireless communication device 110.

In operation, control signal 165 is generated to select antenna 168 forstandard operation. In this fashion, when the adjunct device 100 sendspaging signals 112 or receives paging signal 16, signals can be receivedfrom all directions. When the adjunct device 100 is receiving locationsignals 114 from a remote wireless device 120, control signal 165 isgenerated to switch antenna 148 to antenna 169. In this fashion, thenull pattern of antenna 169 can be used by the location application ofhandheld wireless communication device 110 to provide directionalfeedback to the user.

FIG. 10 presents a schematic block diagram of an antenna 148′ inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,antenna 148 is implemented via a programmable antenna 148′ that has acontrollable radiation pattern. In one mode of operation, theprogrammable antenna is controlled via control signal 163 to anomnidirectional or substantially omnidirectional antenna pattern. Thecontrol signal 163 can be generated by processing module 141 orapplication data from a location application of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110. This mode of operation is selected when theadjunct device 100 sends paging signals 112 or receives paging signal16. In this fashion, signals can be received from all directions.

When the adjunct device is receiving location signals 114 from a remotewireless device 120, control signal 163 is generated to switch antenna148′ to an antenna pattern, such as antenna pattern 160, and optionallyto steer the null direction in conjunction with a directional sweep. Inthis mode of operation, the null pattern of antenna 148′ can be used bythe location application of handheld wireless communication device 110to provide directional feedback to the user.

FIG. 11 presents a schematic block diagram of an antenna 148″ inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,antenna 148″ is a programmable antenna that includes two separateantenna elements 176 and 174. The antenna 148″ is configurable to afirst configuration where switch 161 decouples antenna element 174 andonly antenna element 176 is active. In a second configuration, switch161 coupled antenna element 174 to antenna element 176 and both elementsare active.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, antenna elements 174 and 176are separate loops, monopoles, dipoles or other antenna elements. Theantenna formed by only antenna element 176 produces an omnidirectionalor substantially omnidirectional antenna pattern. The antenna formed bythe combined antenna with antenna elements 174 and 176 has a radiationpattern that includes a null. Antenna 148″ can be operated in responseto control signals 165 in a similar fashion to the antenna 148 of FIG.9.

In operation, control signal 165 is generated to select theomnidirectional antenna configuration for standard operation. In thisfashion, when the adjunct device 100 sends paging signals 112 orreceives paging signal 16, signals can be received from all directions.When the adjunct device is receiving location signals 114 from a remotewireless device 120, control signal 165 is generated to switch antenna148″ to the second configuration. In this fashion, the null pattern ofantenna 148″ can be used by the location application of handheldwireless communication device 110 to provide directional feedback to theuser.

FIG. 12 presents a graphical representation of a signal magnitude inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,signal strength M represents signal strength data collected byshort-range wireless transceiver 140 in response to location signal 114.As discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 7-11, an antenna having a nulldirection is used in this mode of operation of adjunct 100. Signalstrength M is generated over a range of directions, such as over 360degrees of rotation, either by manually steering the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 coupled to adjunct 100 in the case of a fixedantenna such as antenna 148 or 148″, or by steering the beam of theantenna in an implementation of a programmable antenna, such as antenna148′. In either case the direction to the wireless device 120 can bedetermined based on the direction θ₁, where the antenna null is pointedat the wireless device 120. As shown, the null in the antenna patterncauses the signal strength data to dip in a recognizable way.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction θ₁ isdetermined based on the direction of lowest signal magnitude M. Howeverother methodologies including pattern recognition can be employed toanalyze the characteristics of the signal strength data to recognize thenull direction.

FIG. 13 presents a schematic block diagram representation of adjunctdevice 100′ in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.In particular, a further embodiment of adjunct device 100 is shown thatincludes many common elements of the embodiment of FIG. 5 that arereferred to by common reference numerals. In addition, adjunct device100′ includes a second short-range wireless transceiver 140′ and asecond antenna 169.

In this embodiment, the antenna 168 is an omnidirectional orsubstantially omnidirectional antenna and antenna 169 has either a fixedor steerable radiation pattern that includes a null, as described inconjunction with antennas 148, 148′, 148″ or 169. In operation, when theadjunct device 100 sends paging signals 112 or receives paging signal16, short-range wireless transceiver 140 is used and signals can bereceived from all directions. When the adjunct device is receivinglocation signals 114 from a remote wireless device 120, short-rangewireless transceivers 140 and 140′ are both engaged and generateseparate signal strength data. A difference between the signal strengthdata corresponding to antennas 168 and 148′ is used to determine thenull direction. In this fashion, the difference between the signalstrength data from the two signal paths can be used to distinguishbetween high loss conditions and a direction corresponding to a null.

FIG. 14 presents a graphical representation of a difference signal inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,signal strength D(θ) represents the difference between the magnitude ofthe signal strength data collected by short-range wireless transceivers140 and 140′ in response to location signal 114. Representing the signalstrength generated by the short-range wireless transceiver 140 asSS_(o)(θ), and the signal strength of the short-range wirelesstransceiver 140 as SS_(n)(θ), the difference D(θ), can be determinedbased on:

D(θ)=|SS _(o)(θ)|−|SS _(n)(θ)|

As discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 7-13, signal strength differenceD(θ) is generated over a range of directions, such as over 360 degreesof rotation, either by manually steering the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 coupled to adjunct 100 in the case of a fixedantenna, or by steering the null of the antenna in an implementation ofa programmable antenna. In either case the direction to the wirelessdevice 120 can be determined based on the direction θ₁, where theantenna null is pointed at the wireless device 120. As shown, the nullin the antenna pattern causes the difference in signal strength data toincrease in a recognizable way.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the direction θ₁ isdetermined based on the direction of highest signal magnitude D(θ).However other methodologies including pattern recognition can beemployed to analyze the characteristics of the signal strength data torecognize the null direction.

FIG. 15 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a display screen162′ is shown that includes an indication of direction 166′ that can beused in conjunction with the location application examples discussed inassociation with FIG. 7-14.

In this particular embodiment, the indication of direction 166′ movesbased on the repeated directional sweeps by a steerable antenna such asantenna 148′. Indication of direction 166′ indicates, for instance, thedirection θ₁ as previously discussed. As the user changes theorientation of the handheld wireless communication device 110,indication of direction 166′ varies based on the updated direction θ₁.The indication of direction 166′ can be used in this fashion to pointthe user in the direction of the wireless device 120.

It should be noted that while the embodiment of FIGS. 7-15 havediscussed the use of one or more antennas with a null, an antenna with asingle lobe pattern or a steerable lobe pattern could be employed in asimilar fashion to detect signal peaks instead of signal nulls.

In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a single antenna148 is employed that has an omnidirectional pattern at one frequency orrange of frequencies, yet exhibits a null at another frequency or rangeof frequencies. In particular, a location signal, such as locationsignal 114, can be sent at frequency corresponding to the null patternand received by short range wireless transceiver 140. Instead ofswitching antennas 168 and 169, or programming an antenna 148′ todifferent patterns as described in conjunction with FIGS. 9-11, twodifferent patterns can be implemented in the same antenna to supportboth omnidirectional and null modes of operation.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, a receive antenna isemployed that includes a plurality of null directions at differentcompass points in two dimensions that are realized at differentfrequencies. For example, an antenna, such as antenna 148 can exhibit aplurality of null directions θ_(i), that each have a corresponding nullfrequency ƒ_(i). In particular, a location signal, such as locationsignal 114, can include a swept frequency chirp that begins at a lowfrequency and ends at a high frequency that includes each of thediscrete frequencies ƒ_(i). The short range wireless transceiver 140 candetermine the direction to the remote device by detecting the frequencyƒ_(i) where the null occurs, for example based on a lowest signal level,and correlating the null frequency, via a lookup table or other datastructure, to the corresponding direction θ_(i).

While the foregoing description has focused on location in a twodimensional sense, three-dimensional location can be accomplished in asimilar fashion. In particular, directional antennas can be employed inboth the x-y and x-z or y-z planes to distinguish z-axis, as well as xand y axis, coordinates. It should be noted that multiple directionalantennas can be employed that are arranged orthogonally ornon-orthogonally as long as the null directions span either all orsubstantially all of three dimensional space or a portion of threedimensional space that is of interest. Furthermore complex antennadesigns with three-dimensional antenna patterns can likewise be employedin a similar fashion to determine directionality in three-dimensions.Three dimensional location can be useful, for example, in locatingobjects on different floors of a building or other structure such as amine or a ship, determining of a person with a remote device has fallenoverboard, as well as other three-dimensional applications. In addition,or alternative to providing three dimensional direction finding,multiple antennas can be employed in a diversity receiver that, forexample includes two or more receivers. Such configurations can beemployed to mitigate the effects of fading, multipath interference andother path losses to provide more stable reception of signals, and morestable measurement of signal strength, round trip signal delay, etc.

FIG. 16 presents a schematic block diagram of wireless devices 70 and 72in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Inparticular, the devices 70 and 72 can each be either a wireless device120 or an adjunct device 100. The two devices can be sold as a set andare pre-paired to communicate with one another. In another embodiment ofthe present disclosure, the user can configure the devices 70 and 72 tobe paired with one another.

In pairing, one or both devices 70 and 72 initiate the pairingprocedure. For example, a user interface, such as user interface 132 or142 generates a pairing signal in response to an indication from a userto pair the devices. A short-range wireless transceiver, such asshort-range wireless transceiver 130 or 140, communicates RF signals,such as pairing signals 116 to pair the devices 70 and 72.

While two devices 70 and 72 are shown, three or more devices can bepaired together in this fashion to form a paging network. In one mode ofoperation, paging signals, such as paging signals 16 or 112 sent by asingle device are received by all other devices and cause each of thereceiving devices to generate a detectable alert signal. In another modeof operation, paging signals 16 or 112 can be generated that areaddressed to a particular unit, based on addresses or other identifiersreceived from or assigned to, each device during the pairing procedure.For example, each device 70, 72, . . . includes a unique deviceidentifier that is shared with other devices during the pairingprocedure. Paging signals, such as paging signals 16 or 112 can includethe unique identifier to direct a paging signal to a particular device.In other words, when a device 70 or 72, receives a paging signal, itextracts the device identifier from the signal and compares it to itsown device identifier stored in memory. If they match, the device emitsa detectable alert. If the identifiers do not match, the page ispresumed to be directed to another device and no alert is generated.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the paging signals 16 and/or112 can further contain an identifier of the device that initiated thepage. In this fashion, a device that receives a page and that is pairedwith multiple devices can determine which other device initiated thepaging signal 16 or 112.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the paging signals 16 and/or112 can also contain an paging data such as text, a text message, voice,graphics or other data that is conveyed from the device 70, 72 . . .that initiated the paging signal 16 or 112 and the device to the devicethat receives the page. This functionality creates the possibility ofwireless device 120 and adjunct device 100 being used for applications,other than simply location of a lost object.

FIG. 17 presents a schematic block diagram of paging networks 90 and 92in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Inparticular, paging network 90 includes devices 80-83 that have beenpaired together. In addition, paging network 92 includes devices 83-85that have been paired together. The devices 80-85 can each be either awireless device 120 or an adjunct device 100. As shown, device 83 hasbeen paired with devices from both paging networks.

In a broadcast mode of operation, paging signals, such as paging signals16 or 112 sent by a singe device, are received by all other devices in anetwork and cause each of the receiving devices to generate a detectablealert signal. In this fashion, devices 80-83 can each page all of theremaining devices in paging network 90. Devices 83-85 can each page allof the remaining devices in paging network 92. In an unicast mode ofoperation, paging signals 16 or 112 can be generated that are addressedto a particular unit, based on addresses or other identifiers receivedfrom or assigned to, each device during the pairing procedure. In thisfashion, devices 80-83 can each page one of the remaining devices inpaging network 90. Devices 83-85 can each page one of the remainingdevices in paging network 92.

As discussed above, device 83 resides in both networks. Consequently,device 83 can be paged by a device from either network or can pagedevices from either network. However, in this configuration, device 80from paging network 90 cannot page device 85 from paging network 92, andvice versa.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a device wishing to interactwith another device repeatedly transmits a paging signal 16 or 112 foran interval of time greater than a listening device's wake-up-and-listenperiod. Say for example, a device wakes up every two seconds to“listen,” the issuing device can transmit a paging signal 16 or 112 forthree seconds. This strategy has obvious power consumption advantages.

While a paging application is discussed above, other applications, suchas device tracking, can be enabled by the formation of paging networks90 and 92 described above. Tracking can be implemented slightlydifferently. On wake-up, say every two seconds, a device transmits“tracking” information one time, then goes into listen mode to see if apaging signal 16 or 112 has been issued. The additional powerconsumption for the short transmit is nominal, as most of the power isconsumed in the wake-up cycle itself. A device that “cares” to listenfor location information can be placed into a state of listening for anextended time, say 3 seconds in our example, but it might do this onlyevery 30 seconds, so this power hungry operation is not repeated veryoften. This tracking mode of operation allows a listening device totransmit useful information to any device that might care to take thetime to listen periodically or on demand. In accordance with thisexample, a particular device 83 can be configured to track all otherdevices in the networks 90 and/or 92 in near real-time. The device 83simply listens at appropriate intervals, as commanded, until all thedesired information is collected from devices that are present innetworks 90 and/or 92 without having to issue a paging signal 16 or 112,thus conserving battery power for both listener and talker.

In one application, the generation of location signals between devicescan be used to determine if two devices are in proximity to one another.For example, devices 80-85 are associated with different people,objects, etc., and the location signals received by device 83 fromdevices 80-82 or 84-85, indicates which of these devices are present.

In this fashion, device 83 can determine which people or objects are inits proximity, or not in its proximity. For example, if device 83 is anadjunct associated with mom's wireless phone, device 80 is attached tothe car keys and device 81 is an adjunct associated with her son'stelephone, a mom can determine the proximity of her son and her keys. Inresponse to location signals received by the adjunct device 83, the momcan determine whether or not her son and/or the car keys are in herproximity. A proximity application executed by her wireless phone cankeep track of which of the devices 80-82 or 84-85 are in range and whichare not, present alerts such as audible or visual alerts when a devicecomes in range or goes out of range, etc. In addition, the use ofdirectional and/or distance information can augment the application todetermine a nearest neighboring device or devices, plot estimatedpositions on a map, etc.

In addition to the applications listed above, other applications arepossible including geo-caching and other social networking or gamingapplications enabled by one or more devices that have been previouslypaired are auto-detected to determine the proximity of these devices andor the objects or persons associated therewith.

FIG. 18 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 170 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 170 is shown for display via a graphical user interfacegenerated by a location application of handheld wireless communicationdevice 110. As shown, the graphical user interface includes a menu thatindicates the plurality of personal objects, that each correspond to oneof a plurality of remote device such as devices 70 or 72, or devices80-85.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pairing proceduredescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 16-17 generates a list thatidentifies the plurality of remote devices and the plurality of personalobjects. In particular, as a device is paired with the adjunct device100, the location application of handheld wireless communication devicequeries the user to enter a name of an object or other identifierassociated with the particular remote device being paired with theadjunct device 100. The names so entered are stored in the list inassociation with the device identifiers or other address information forthe corresponding paired device that is either generated or receivedduring the pairing process.

As shown, the paging menu is generated based on the list of objects—inthis case, the objects identified 1-6. The user initiates a page tolocate one of the objects via its wireless device 120 or adjunct device100, by selecting the particular object from the menu.

FIG. 19 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 172 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 172 is shown for display via a graphical user interfacegenerated by an application of handheld wireless communication device110, such as a general paging application. As shown, the graphical userinterface includes paging data received via paging signal 16 thatindicates both the source of the page “Sue's Phone” and a text message,in this case, “Are you ready to leave?”.

In operation, the text message is generated by a similar pagingapplication of Sue's Phone that is coupled to its own adjunct device100. The text message is included in the paging data and paging signals112 sent via the adjunct device 100 of Sue's Phone. The paging data isreceived and decoded by the short-range wireless transceiver 140 ofadjunct device 100—associated with the handheld wireless communicationdevice 110 that generates screen display 172. The processing module 141passes the paging data via the device interface 144 and communicationport 26′ of handheld wireless communication device 110 to the pagingapplication. In addition to generating the detectable alert signal viathe user interface 142 of adjunct device, the screen display 172 isgenerated by the paging application of handheld wireless communicationdevice. As shown, this feature provides greater functionality in supportof more advanced and complex applications.

FIG. 20 presents a schematic block diagram of a wireless device 122 andadjunct device 101 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In particular, wireless device 122 and adjunct device 101include each of the components of wireless device 120 and adjunct device100 previously described. In addition, the wireless device 122 andadjunct device 101 include short-range wireless transceivers 130′ and140′ that each include infrared (IR) transmitters for sending IRsignals, such as IR signals 182 and 183 to a remote device, such asdevice 94. Device 94 can be an automobile, alarm system, audiocomponent, video component, game or other home media device or otherdevice that is controlled in response to IR signals from an IR remotecontroller.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjunct device 100 iscoupled to a handheld wireless communication device 110 that executes aremote control application that operates in a similar fashion to auniversal remote control device for controlling the operation of adevice 94 that operates based on IR remote control signals. Inoperation, the device interface 144 receives application data from theremote control application of the handheld wireless communication device110 via the communication port of the handheld wireless communicationdevice 110. The application data includes remote control data forcontrolling the operation of device 94. While a single device 94 isshown, the handheld wireless communication device 110 and adjunct device101 can control a plurality of such devices in a similar fashion.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the short-range wirelesstransceiver 140′ generates IR signals 182 based on the remote controldata to directly control the operation of device 94. In a furtherembodiment, adjunct device 101 is paired with wireless device 122 tooperate as an IR relay device. In this embodiment, the remote controldata is transmitted via short-range wireless transceiver 140 via RFsignals 180. Short-range wireless transceiver 130 receives and decodesthe remote control data and retransmits the remote control data as IRsignals 183 via short-range wireless transceiver 130′. In this furtherembodiment, the wireless device 122 can be located in close proximityand within line of sight with the device 94. The adjunct device 101 andhandheld wireless communication device 110 can control the operation ofdevice 94 from a different room or otherwise, while wireless device 122is in range of RF signals 180.

While the foregoing description has focused on IR devices, in a similarfashion, devices 101, 122 and/or device 92 can include a short rangewireless transceiver 130′ or 140′, such as a Bluetooth transceiver,802.11 transceiver or other wireless transceiver that operates via RFsignals. In one application, devices 101, 122 and/or device 92 cancontrol a compatible remote device, such as device 94. In addition, theRF implementation of short-range wireless transceiver 130′ or 140′ canbe used for other uses. In an embodiment of the present disclosure,paging signals or other messages can be transmitted to a home computervia a Bluetooth or 802.11 connection and relayed indirectly to thehandheld wireless communication device 110 via the internet, wirelesslocal area network and/or the long range wireless transceiver of thehandheld wireless communication device 110.

FIG. 21 presents a schematic block diagram of devices 91, 93 and 95 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In anembodiment of the present disclosure device 91 is implemented viaadjunct device 101 and handheld wireless communication device 110, anddevice 93 is implemented via either wireless device 122 or adjunctdevice 101 and handheld wireless communication device 110 operating in asimilar fashion to wireless device 122.

In a similar fashion to the system of FIG. 20, device 91 is paired withwireless device 93 to operate as an IR relay device. Remote control datais transmitted via RF signals 180. Device 93 receives the RF signals 184and decodes the remote control data and retransmits the remote controldata as IR signals 186 to control device 95.

FIG. 22 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 190 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 190 is shown that is generated by a remote controlapplication for display on handheld wireless communication device 110.As shown, the user interacts with the remote control setup menu to enterone or more devices to be emulated. In the example shown, a hypothetical“Cony 1200XR DVR” device is selected. In response to the selection, theremote control application retrieves a remote control data configurationfor this device from memory, such as the memory 143 of adjunct device100 or the memory of the handheld wireless communication device so thatremote control data transmitted as either RF signals 180 or IR signals182 are properly formatted for control of the selected device. In anembodiment of the present disclosure, instead of storing remote controlconfiguration data locally, the application contacts a remote server viathe internet to retrieve the remote control configuration data. In thisfashion, the long range transceiver or other wireless transceiver ofhandheld wireless communication device 110 can be used to gather remotecontrol configuration data from an up to date list of current and legacydevices.

In a further mode of operation, remote graphics data corresponding tothe look of the native remote control device for the selected “Cony1200XR DVR” is also retrieved from memory, such as the memory 143 ofadjunct device 100, the memory of the handheld wireless communicationdevice, or from a remote server as described above. This remote graphicsdata can be used by the remote control application for emulating thelook of the native remote control device for the selected “Cony 1200XRDVR”, as will be shown further in conjunction with FIG. 23.

While not shown, the set-up menu may further prompt the user toestablish one or more tasks to be performed by one or more devices to becontrolled. In response, to these selections and the remote controlconfiguration data retrieved for each device, the application canautomatically establish a macro program to implement each task. In anexample involving the control of a home media center, tasks mightinclude: playing a DVD, watching TV, playing a CD, listening to theradio, playing a stored audio file or stored video file, accessing theinternet to listen to streaming audio, accessing the internet to watch astreaming video, etc. For each selected task, the application configuresthe specific remote control operations required to control the devicesof the home media center to states that correspond to the particulartask.

In addition to task selection, the set-up menu may further prompt theuser to establish one or more groups of devices to be controlled, andset up tasks associated with each group. For example, one group ofdevices might include the home media center in the living room, a secondgroup of device might include the stereo in the bedroom, a third groupof devices might include the lights in the dining room, etc.

FIG. 23 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 192 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 192 is shown that is generated by a remote controlapplication for display on handheld wireless communication device 110.As shown, the display of handheld wireless communication device 110creates a virtual remote control that emulates the look of the nativeremote control device for the device selected to be controlled—in thiscase, the “Cony 1200XR DVR”. In operation, the user interacts with thevirtual remote control to generate remote control data for controllingthe selected device, either directly from adjunct device 100 or via anIR relay device such as wireless device 122.

In an alternative embodiment involving one or more tasks established asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 22, the screen display be “taskoriented” instead of device oriented as shown in FIG. 23. For eachselected task, the remote control application configures the screendisplay of the handheld wireless communication device 110 to implement amenu of the particular remote control commands associated with thatparticular task.

For instance, the user can be presented with a menu of groups that havebeen configured. Once a group has been selected, a menu of tasksassociated with that group is presented. Once a particular task isselected, the menu presents user options to control the particularactions associated with the selected task. For example, when a “watchTV” task is selected, the user can be presented options to increase ordecrease the TV volume, change the channel, go to an electronic programguide, etc. In a further example, when a “play a DVD” task is selected,the user can be presented options to increase the volume, decrease thevolume, play, stop, pause, eject, fast forward, skip to the nextsection, go to the main menu, etc. It should be noted that each task mayroutinely involve the control of multiple devices of the home mediacenter, and the particular actions associated with the selected task mayrequire different devices of the home media center to be controlled.

FIG. 24 presents a schematic block diagram of a wireless device 123 andadjunct device 103 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In particular, adjunct device 103 includes each of thecomponents of adjunct device 100 previously described. In addition, theadjunct device 103 includes short-range wireless transceiver 140″ thatincludes a transmitter for RF signals that contain home automation data.Device 123 includes similar components to wireless device 120 butfurther contains a control interface 134, such as a relay, triac,transistor or other control device for controlling the operation ofdevice 214, such as a lamp or other home lighting, an appliance, athermostat, or other home device. In an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, the wireless device 123 is paired with the adjunct device103 and operates in a similar fashion to a Homelink, Insteon or otherhome automation device controller to control the operation of anexternal device 214 in response to RF signals 200 from adjunct device103.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the adjunct device 100 iscoupled to a handheld wireless communication device 110 that executes ahome automation application for controlling the operation of a device214. In operation, the device interface 144 receives application datafrom the home automation application of the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 via the communication port of the handheldwireless communication device 110. The application data includes controldata for controlling the operation of device 214 via wireless device123. While a single device 214 is shown, the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 101 can control a pluralityof such devices in a similar fashion. The short-range wirelesstransceiver 140″ generates RF signals 200 based on the control data tocontrol the operation of the device coupled to device 123. The adjunctdevice 101 and handheld wireless communication device 110 can controlthe operation of device 214 from a different room or otherwise, whilewireless device 123 is in range of RF signals 200.

FIG. 25 presents a schematic block diagram of devices 210, 212 and 214in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In anembodiment of the present disclosure device 210 is implemented viaadjunct device 103 and handheld wireless communication device 110, anddevice 212 is implemented via a home automation device controller. In asimilar fashion to the system of FIG. 24, device 210 is paired withwireless device 212 to operate in a home automation mode. Control datais transmitted via RF signals 200. Device 212 receives the RF signals200 and decodes the control data to control device 214.

FIG. 26 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 220 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 220 is shown for display via a graphical user interfacegenerated by a home automation application of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110. As shown, the graphical user interfaceincludes a menu that indicates the plurality of devices 214 to becontrolled, that each correspond to one of a plurality of devices 212.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pairing proceduredescribed in conjunction with FIG. 25 generates a list that identifiesthe plurality of devices 212 and the plurality of devices 214. Inparticular, as a device 212 is paired with the adjunct device 100, thehome automation application of handheld wireless communication devicequeries the user to enter a name of an object or other identifier of thedevice 214 associated with the device 212 being paired with the adjunctdevice 100. The names so entered are stored in the list in associationwith the device identifiers or other address information for thecorresponding paired device 212 that is either generated or receivedduring the pairing process.

As shown, the home automation menu is generated based on the list ofdevices 214—in this case, the devices identified 1-6. The user initiatesthe control of a device 214 via its wireless device 120 or adjunctdevice 100, by selecting the assigned name of the device 214 from themenu.

While not shown, the set-up menu may further prompt the user toestablish one or more tasks to be performed by one or more devices to becontrolled. These tasks might include: watching TV, reading a book,having a party, etc. For each selected task, the application configuresthe specific remote control operations required to control the devicesof the home to states that correspond to the particular task. In thewatching TV task, the lights might be dimmed to a particular level,particular lights might be turned on for reading a book. For a party,all of the lights might be turned in areas of the home associated withentertaining while the temperature of the heating and cooling system maybe decreased to compensate for the additional heat produced by theguests themselves.

As discussed in conjunction with the remote control application, inaddition to task selection, the set-up menu may further prompt the userto establish one or more groups of devices to be controlled, and set uptasks associated with each group. For example, one group of devicesmight include the living room lighting, a second group of device mightinclude outdoor lighting, a third group of devices might include thehome heating/cooling system, etc.

Further, the set-up menu may further prompt the user to establish one ormore complex tasks. The operation of lights, TV's, and the like, can belogged over time. This log could be re-played in “vacation-mode” to givea more realistic simulation of being home, compared with the use oftimers, not to mention the increased convenience of this method. Inaddition to remote control and/or home automation devices, the tasks canfurther involve interaction with one or more remote wireless devicessuch as remote wireless device 120. For instance, a more complex taskmight include, turning on an overhead light when a person carrying theremote wireless device enters a room between the hours of x and y, butduring other hours illuminate the night light, otherwise turn off alllights.

FIG. 27 presents a pictorial representation of a screen display 222 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a screen display 222 is shown for display via a graphical user interfacegenerated by an application of handheld wireless communication device110, such as a general paging application. As shown, the graphical userinterface includes an identified device 214 “Bedroom Lamp” andinteractive controls for controlling the operation of the selecteddevice 214.

In operation, control data is generated by the home automationapplication is response to the user's interaction with the screen 222.The control data is passed from the handheld wireless communicationdevice to the adjunct device 103 via the communication port and thedevice interface 144. RF signals 200 containing the control data aregenerated by short-range wireless transceiver 140″ and transmitted tothe device 212 for control of the selected device 214.

In an alternative embodiment involving one or more tasks established asdescribed in conjunction with FIG. 26, the screen display be “taskoriented” instead of device oriented as shown in FIG. 27. For eachselected task, the home automation application configures the screendisplay of the handheld wireless communication device 110 to implement amenu of the particular home automation commands associated with thatparticular task. For instance, the user can be presented with a menu ofgroups that gave been configured. Once a group has been selected, a menuof tasks associated with that group is presented. Once a particular taskis selected, the menu presents user options to control the particularactions associated with the selected task.

FIG. 28 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 includes a wireless telephony transceiver andfurther includes a wireless telephony application for sending andreceiving telephone calls via the wireless telephony transceiver incommunication with a wireless telephony network.

The wireless telephony application receives a 911 signal generated bythe adjunct device 100 via the communication port of the handheldwireless communication device 110 and generates the screen display 230that is shown. In particular, the 911 signal can be generated inresponse to a user interaction with the user interface 142 of theadjunct device 100—such as by the user pressing an emergency call buttonon the adjunct device 100. In response to the 911 signal from theadjunct device, the wireless telephony application initiates anemergency call, such as a 911 telephone call, or other emergency call.In addition, emergency call can be initiated to a monitoring service asan alternative to a traditional 911 call. In this fashion, a telephonecall such as an automated voice call or other call, SMS message, textmessage, email or other communication can be initiated to alert theservice to an emergency or distress situation. The monitoring servicecan include an eldercare monitoring service that can respond via its ownresources to emergency or distress calls. In addition or in thealternative, the monitoring service can itself initiate a 911 call inresponse to the receipt of the emergency call from the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110. As will be understood by one skilled in theart, the emergency call, can include location information, such as GPScoordinates or other position information that is relayed to themonitoring service, or the 911 call center to facilitate the location ofthe handheld wireless communication device 110 that initiated theemergency call.

In this fashion, the user of handheld wireless communication device 110with adjunct device 100 need only to press a single button on theadjunct device to launch an emergency call, saving time in the event ofan actual emergency.

In a further embodiment of the present disclosure, the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 can initiate an emergency call in response tothe activation of a remote wireless device 120, for example, by the userpressing an emergency call button on the remote wireless device 120. Inparticular, the wireless device 120 transmits a special paging signal,similar to paging signal 16, that includes data or another indicationthat an emergency call should be initiated. When the adjunct device 100receives the special paging signal, the adjunct device communicates the911 signal to the handheld wireless communication device 100 to initiatethe 911 call, as if an emergency call button of the adjunct device 100had been directly pressed by the user as described above.

As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 5, the adjunct device 100 caninclude a device interface 144 that is switchable between an auxiliarypower mode and a battery isolation mode. In the battery isolation mode,the device interface 144 decouples the battery 146 from the battery ofthe handheld wireless communication device 110, for instance, topreserve the charge of battery 146 for operation even if the battery ofthe handheld wireless communication device 110 is completely orsubstantially discharged. In the auxiliary power mode, the deviceinterface 144 couples the power from the battery 146 to the handheldwireless communication device 110 via the communication port to chargethe battery of the handheld wireless communication device 110. In anembodiment of the present disclosure, activation of the emergency callfeature in the adjunct device 100 can automatically initiate a switch ofthe device interface 144 to the auxiliary power mode to supportemergency calling. In a further embodiment, if the device interface 144detects a low battery condition during an emergency calling event, thedevice interface 144 can automatically switch to auxiliary power mode tosupport emergency calling.

FIG. 29 presents a pictorial representation of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 and adjunct device 100 in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, adjunct device 100includes a plurality of infrared emitters 240 that emit a correspondingplurality of infrared signals, such as IR location signals 242 for useby a sensor coupled to a screen to generate a screen pointer graphic onthe display screen. The adjunct device 100 provides feedback to a videodevice on the position, orientation and or the perspective of the userand/or to otherwise allow the user to interact with a media applicationon a remote monitor, television or other display device.

The plurality of infrared emitters 240 can be implemented using IR lightemitting diodes that emit light with a wavelength of 880 nM, however,other infrared emitters can likewise be used. The plurality of infraredemitters 240 can be arranged in a row, a grid or other pattern tofacilitate a remote device to determine the position, orientation and orthe perspective of the handheld wireless communication device 110 and/orby inference, the user of the handheld wireless communication device110.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 includes a processor that executes a screenpointer application or other application and wherein the plurality of IRemitters 240 are controlled based on application data from the screenpointer application received by the adjunct device 100 via thecommunication port of the handheld wireless communication device 110 anddevice interface 144. In this fashion, the IR emitters 240 can beselectively enabled or disabled. In addition, the IR emitters can beused in conjunction with other applications such as short-range wirelesstransceiver 140′, an infrared data association (IrDA) transceiver or tosupport other applications of the adjunct device 100 and handheldwireless communication device 110. While a particular form factor foradjunct device 100 is shown, as previously discussed, adjunct 100 canlikewise be implemented as a case that encloses a portion of thehandheld wireless communication device 110.

Further examples of this embodiment, including the interoperabilitybetween the adjunct device 100 and a display screen are presented inconjunction with FIG. 30 that follows.

FIG. 30 presents a pictorial representation of screen pointing system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a handheld device 256, such as handheld wireless communication device110 equipped with adjunct device 100 emits IR location signals 242, thatare viewed by video camera 250. In an embodiment of the presentdisclosure, video camera 250 includes a charged coupled device (CCD)array that responds to the infrared location signals 242. In particular,an infrared sensor such as video camera 250 generates a video signalthat includes bright spots corresponding to each of the IR emitters 240.In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the video camera 250includes an infrared filter such as a plastic window injected with aninfrared die that allows transmission of infrared light through thewindow while filtering visible light and other light wavelengths. Inthis fashion, other light sources can be attenuated providing a clearervideo image of the IR emitters 240.

Video device 254 receives the video signal from video camera 250 andanalyzes the video signal to determine the position and/or orientationof the IR emitters 240 in the video image. In response, the video device254 generates a graphical overlay for display screen 252 of the screenpointer that appears on the display screen 252. In this fashion, as theposition of the handheld device 256 changes, the position of the screenpointer displayed on display screen 252 changes as well. Further,changes of orientation, such as the rotation of the handheld device 256about roll, pitch or yaw axes can be detected and used to adjust theorientation of the screen pointer.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the video device 254 caninclude a video game console, computer, set top box, digital video discplayer or other video device that operates in conjunction with a displayscreen 252. While shown as separate elements, the video camera 250and/or video device 254 can both be incorporated within a display screen252, such as a television or computer monitor.

It should also be noted that, in other embodiments, the positioning ofthe video camera 250 and the IR emitters 240 can be reversed. Inparticular, the plurality of IR emitters 242 can be placed above thedisplay screen 252 and the handheld device 256 can include video camera250. In the embodiment where handheld device 256 is implemented viahandheld wireless communication device 110 and adjunct device 100, theshort-range wireless transceiver 140 of adjunct device 100 or otherwireless transceiver of adjunct device 100 or handheld wirelesscommunication device 110 can be used to send the video signal producedby the video camera 250 wirelessly to a complementary wirelesstransceiver included in video device 254.

While the foregoing description has focused on a screen pointerapplication, other applications including the display ofthree-dimensional video content including 3D movies or video games canalso be adapted to the use of position and directional information of aplayer or viewer. In particular, in presentations with a single playeror viewer, the video content displayed on display screen 252 can betransformed based on the position and/or orientation of the handhelddevice 256 to present the illusion of a three-dimensional display.

For example, the handheld device 256 can be replaced by an alternativedevice such as glasses, a hat or other object that tracks the positionand/or orientation of a user's head. Objects in the background of eithera static or dynamic video image can be shifted up when the user's headmoves down, and shifted right when a user's head moves left to providethe illusion, via the two-dimensional display screen, that the user isinteracting with a three-dimensional virtual world. It should be notedthat such an embodiment can be implemented without polarized or coloredlenses or other optical filtering used in conjunction with standardthree-dimensional programs.

FIG. 31 presents a schematic block diagram of video device 254 inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,video device 254 includes pattern recognition module 260,position/orientation generator 264, and graphics overlay generator 268.In operation, video device 254 receives the video signal from videocamera 250. Pattern recognition module 260 analyzes frames of the videoimage to recognize the line, grid or other pattern of the IR emitters240 in the frames, based on the bright spots produced by IR locationsignals 242.

After the bright spots produced by IR location signals 242 are located,position/orientation sensor 264 generates position and/or orientationsignals corresponding to, for instance, x, y, and z-axis translationsand roll, pitch and yaw axis orientations of the handheld device 256.These position and/or orientation signals are presented to graphicsoverlay generator 268, that generates a graphic, such as a screenpointer graphic, curser, icon or other graphic corresponding to theposition and/or orientation determined by position/orientation generator264. In addition, graphics overlay generator 268 overlays the generatedgraphic on video signal 262 to generate a video output signal to displaydevice 252. The video input signal can be a locally generated videoinput signal in embodiments where the video device 254 is a video gameconsole, computer, set top box, digital video disc player or other videodevice generates its own video signals. In the alternative, video signal262 can be coupled from an external source such as a video game console,computer, set top box, digital video disc player or other video devicethat operates in conjunction with a display screen 252.

The video signal from video camera 250, video signal 262 and the videooutput to video display device 252 can each be analog or digital videosignals. While not expressly shown, video device 254 can include one ormore video decoders, video encoders or video transcoders for convertingthe video format, frame rate and/or resolution of the video signal fromvideo camera 250, video signal 262 and the video output to video displaydevice 252 for processing in conjunction with video device 254.

In the embodiment discussed in conjunction with FIG. 30 where positionand orientation information is used to present the illusion ofthree-dimensions, video device 254 can include a transformationgenerator in place of graphics overlay generator 268. In particular, thetransformation generator can transform the video signal 262, based onthe position and/or orientation determined by position/orientationgenerator 264 to present a video output signal that video display device252 that presents the illusion of three-dimensions, without the need forpolarized or colored lenses or other optical filtering.

The components of video device 254 can be implemented using amicroprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array,programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals(analog and/or digital) based on operational instructions that arestored in memory. Note that when the components of video device 254implement one or more functions via a state machine, analog circuitry,digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing thecorresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, orexternal to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Video device 254can include additional components that are not expressly shown.

FIG. 32 presents a schematic block diagram representation of a locationsystem in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Inparticular, a layout is shown of a building that includes a plurality ofpaging devices 270, 272, 274, 276, 278 and 280 that have been pairedtogether to form a paging network. Each of the paging devices 270, 272,274 and 276 is a stationary device that is positioned in a fixedlocation, such as being attached to a wall or ceiling, or placed inanother location that is stationary. The paging devices 270, 272, 274and 276 can each be implemented, for instance, via any of theembodiments of wireless device 120. The paging device 278 is a mobilepaging device to be located. In particular, paging device 278 can beimplemented via either any of the embodiments of wireless device 120 oradjunct device 100 and handheld wireless communication device 110.

After these devices have been paired, the mobile paging device 278 canbe located as follows. A paging signal, such as paging signal 16 or 112is transmitted to the paging device 278 by paging device 280. The pagingdevice 280 can either be a fixed paging device or mobile paging devicehaving a short-range wireless transmitter capable of transmitting such apaging signal—such as any of the embodiments of wireless device 120 oradjunct device 100 and handheld wireless communication device 110. In anembodiment of the present disclosure, the paging signal includes abroadcast listen command. The broadcast listen command can, for example,instruct the fixed paging devices 270, 272, 274 and/or 276 to beginninglistening for a location signal from the device to be located. Inresponse to the paging signal, the mobile paging device 278 generatesthe location signal, such as location signal 114 or other locationsignal generated by an adjunct device 100.

The location signal is received by one or more of the fixed pagingdevices 270, 272, 274 and/or 276. In response, the fixed paging devices270, 272, 274 and/or 276 that received the location signal generatelocation information that is transmitted to the paging device 280. Thepaging device 280 receives location information pertaining to the mobilepaging device 278 via its short-range wireless receiver. In response,the paging device 280 determines a location of the mobile paging device278 based on the location information.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location informationincludes directional information gathered by one or more of the fixedpaging devices 270, 272, 274 and/or 276 that describe a directionbetween that fixed paging device and the mobile paging device 278. Whendirectional information is received by two or more of the fixed pagingdevices 270, 272, 274 and/or 276, the paging device 280 can triangulatethe position of the mobile paging device in two dimensions, based on thedirectional information.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed paging devices areeach implemented via a wireless device 120 that includes an antenna 138,such as antenna 148′ that is programmable. In this embodiment, wirelessdevice 120 operates in a similar fashion to adjunct device 100 andhandheld wireless communication device 110 described in conjunction withFIGS. 7-15 to locate a remote paging device that is transmitting alocation signal, such as location signal 112.

For example, the processing device 131 of a particular fixed pagingdevice 270, 272, 274 or 276, generates control signals 163 to scan anull or lobe of the programmable antenna 148′ over differentorientations, determines signal strengths corresponding to the differentorientations and determines a direction θ₁, between the particular fixedpaging device and the mobile paging device 278, based on a lowest orhighest signal strength M, lowest or highest differential signalstrength D(θ₁), etc. Each such fixed paging device 270, 272, 274 or 276generates directional information that indicates the direction θ₁, andtransmits this data to the paging device 280 for analysis. In anembodiment of the present disclosure, the paging device 280 stores theposition of each of the fixed paging devices 270, 272, 274 and 276, anduses this information in conjunction with each of the receiveddirections θ₁, to triangulate the location of the mobile paging device278.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixed pagingdevices 270, 272, 274 and 276 generate location information thatincludes signal strength information of the received location signalfrom mobile paging device 278. The fixed paging devices 270, 272, 274and 276 transmit this information to the paging device 280. In response,the paging device 280 determines which of the fixed devices 270, 272,274 and 276 has the greatest signal strength. In this fashion, thepaging device can infer that the mobile paging device 278 is closest tothe fixed paging device 270, 272, 274 or 276 having the greatest signalstrength.

It should be noted that the handheld wireless communication device 110can include an internal compass that generates an indication of its ownorientation. This orientation information can also be used inconjunction with the received directions θ₁, to triangulate the locationof the mobile paging device 278 or provide absolute directionalinformation.

The location system of FIG. 32 enables many interesting applications.For example, a restaurant can be equipped with a plurality of fixedpaging devices that are paired with a plurality of mobile paging devicesand a master console that operates as paging device 280. When a customerenters the restaurant, he or she is assigned a mobile paging device,such as mobile paging device 278. The master console can be used to pagethe mobile paging device when a table is ready. When the customer isassigned a table, the customer continues to use the mobile paging device278. For instance, the mobile paging device 278 can be used to initiatepages to the master console to place an order or supplement an existingorder, to request a server, etc. In conjunction with these activities,the location system provided by the fixed paging devices can be used tolocate the mobile paging device, correlate the location to a table andserver, locate a lost paging device, etc.

In other applications, the location system of the present disclosure canbe used in conjunction with the location of persons in hospitals,nursing homes and hospices; the location of files or records in anoffice building; or the location of boxes or inventory in a warehouse ormanufacturing facility or for a host of other applications. In pertinentpart, the mobile paging device 278 is constructed with a form factorthat can be enclosed in or attached to an object, person or other thingto be located.

It should be noted further that the applications described above canalternatively be implemented without the use of a fixed network ofpaging devices. A remote wireless device 120 or adjunct device 100 canbe associated with each table via a table ID or other data structure. Anotebook computer, wireless telephone, iPad device other handheldwireless computing device 110 can be paired with and used to receivepages or other signaling to monitor each of the remote wireless devices120 and overlay information on a map or other layout of the restaurant'slayout. This provides a simpler implementation without the need of aplurality of fixed paging devices. In this case, the table ID providesthe location information used to identify the table associated with eachmobile device.

It should be specifically noted that the emergency monitoringfunctionality described in conjunction with FIG. 28 can be combined inthe implementations above for applications in a hospital, hospice,nursing home or other care facility. Location and tracking informationgathered as described above can be combined with emergency calling to amonitoring center or other emergency messaging to inform a monitoringcenter of an emergency event and further to provide enhanced locationinformation.

In a further embodiment, accelerometer information from the handheldwireless communication device 110, such as an iPhone can be used totrigger an emergency call. For example, if a period of inactivity isdetected based on a lack of motion over an inactivity period, such as30, 60, or 90 minutes, a fail-safe distress call can be initiated to themonitoring center to check on the person associated with the device.

While the foregoing description has focused on emergency calling, otherautomatic calling and alerts can also be implemented in accordance withvarious implementations of the present disclosure. In particular, thepairing procedure described in conjunction with FIG. 18 can be expandedto set-up additional options such as those described below.

-   -   1) If Sue's phone is not located at home at a particular time        (such as when Sue should be home from school in the afternoon),        as determined by proximity to one or more fixed paging devices        270, 272, 274, 276, etc., initiate a text message, email,        telephone call or other communication to Mom's phone.    -   2) If Sue's phone initiates a 911 call, automatically broadcast        a paging signal 112 to all remote devices 120.    -   3) If Sue's phone initiates any telephone call or text message        after 11:00 pm at night, initiate a paging signal to Mom's phone        that indicates a call or text message and the destination        number.

As discussed in conjunction with FIG. 20, the RF implementation ofshort-range wireless transceivers 130′ and 140′ can be used for otheruses. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, distress signals,emergency calling signals and other automatic messages and alerts can betransmitted to a home computer via a Bluetooth or 802.11 connection andrelayed indirectly to the handheld wireless communication device 110 viathe internet, wireless local area network and/or the long range wirelesstransceiver of the handheld wireless communication device 110.

FIG. 33 presents a schematic block diagram of a handheld wirelesscommunication device 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. While many of the descriptions of the present disclosurecontained herein focus on functions and features ascribed to an adjunctdevice operating in conjunction with a handheld wireless communicationdevice, the functions and features of the adjunct device handheldwireless communication device combination can be implemented in anenhanced handheld wireless communication device that includes structureand functionality drawn from an adjunct device, such as adjunct devices100, 100′, 101 and 103. Handheld wireless communication device 300presents such a device that includes a handheld wireless communicationdevice portion having the standard components of a handheld wirelesscommunication device and an adjunct portion that adds the componentsnecessary to provide the additional functions and features of theadjunct device 100, 100′, 101 and 103. In summary, handheld wirelesscommunication device 300 includes the structure and functionality of anyof the embodiments of handheld wireless communication device 110 andadjunct device 100, 100′, 101 and 103, within a single housing, andwithout the external connections required to couple adjunct device 100,100′, 101 or 103 to handheld wireless communication device 110.

In particular, handheld wireless communication device 300 includes longrange wireless transceiver module 306, such as a wireless telephonyreceiver for communicating voice and/or data signals in conjunction witha handheld wireless communication device network, wireless local areanetwork or other wireless network. In addition, handheld wirelesscommunication device 300 includes a user interface 312 that include oneor more pushbuttons such as a keypad or other buttons, a touch screen orother display screen, a microphone, speaker, headphone port or otheraudio port, a thumbwheel, touch pad and/or other user interface device.User interface 312 includes the user interface devices ascribed tohandheld wireless communication device 110 and further provides thefunctionality and/or structure of the user interface devices 142described in conjunction with adjunct device 100, 100′, 101 and 103.

Handheld wireless communication device 300 includes a main battery 308that operates in a similar fashion to the battery of handheld wirelesscommunication device 110, while a separate battery 146 provides thefunctions and features described in conjunction with adjunct device 100,100′, 101 and 103. For example, in isolation mode, battery 146 providespower to the adjunct portions of handheld wireless communication device300, while main battery 308 provides power to the wireless telephonyportions of the handheld wireless communication device 300. Deviceinterface 310 functions as device interface 310 without, however, aninternal communication port and plug connection between the adjunctdevice 100 and handheld wireless communication device 110. Short-rangewireless transceiver module 304 includes one or more short-rangewireless transceivers such as short-range wireless transceivers 140,140′, 140″, etc.

The handheld wireless communication device 300 includes a processingmodule 314 that operates in conjunction with memory 316 to execute aplurality of applications including a wireless telephony application andother general applications of the handheld wireless communication deviceand other specific applications described in conjunction with theoperation of adjunct device 100, 100′, 101 and 103 and handheld wirelesscommunication device 110.

The processing module 314 can be implemented using a microprocessor,micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, centralprocessing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logicdevice, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/ordigital) based on operational instructions that are stored in memory,such as memory 316. Note that when the processing module 314 implementsone or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry,digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory storing thecorresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, orexternal to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analogcircuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Further note that,the memory module 316 stores, and the processing module 314 executes,operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the stepsand/or functions illustrated herein.

The memory module 316 may be a single memory device or a plurality ofmemory devices. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, randomaccess memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory,dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device thatstores digital information. While the components of handheld wirelesscommunication device 300 are shown as being coupled by a particular busstructure, other architectures are likewise possible that includeadditional data busses and/or direct connectivity between components.Handheld wireless communication device 300 can include additionalcomponents that are not expressly shown.

Further, while the present disclosure has been described in conjunctionwith a handheld wireless communication device 300 or 110, it should benoted that the functions and features of the present disclosure can beimplemented in conjunction with an adjunct device coupled to anothermobile or stationary computing device capable of executing one or moreof the applications described herein in conjunction with handheldwireless communication device 110 or in an another integrated devicethat includes one or more functions and features of adjunct device 100,100′, 101 and 103 and handheld wireless communication device 110.

FIG. 34 presents a pictorial representation of a back view of an adjunctdevice 330 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.In particular, adjunct device 330, such as adjunct device 100, 100′, 101and/or 103, is implemented as a case for an Apple iPhone, iPod or iTouchdevice. The case includes a camera hole for the camera of the iPhone, anexternal device connector 334, such as communication port 28′implemented as a micro-USB port. An audio port 336 is included for abeeper, buzzer or other sound emitter included in user interface 142. IRport 332 is included for coupling to the emitters/detectors ofshort-range wireless transceiver 140′, IR emitters 240, or a videocamera that operates in an embodiment of FIGS. 29-30, where the IRemitters are mounted in association with the display screen 252.

FIG. 35 presents a pictorial representation of a cutaway side view of anadjunct device 330 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. As shown, the adjunct device 330 includes a connector 340,that operates in a similar fashion to plug 26 to couple the adjunctdevice 330 to the communication port of the Apple iPhone, iPod or iTouchdevice. The case is constructed of a flexible plastic or other flexiblematerial so as to be clipped onto the iPhone, iPod or iTouch device,while enclosing the back, sides, top and bottom of the iPhone, iPod oriTouch device, yet leaving open substantially all of the front to allowthe user to interact with the touch screen and optionally the frontpanel button of the device. Internal components 338 include thecomponents of adjunct device 100, 100′, 101 and/or 103. The internalcomponents 338 can include one or more flexible circuit boards tosupport the flexibility of adjunct device 330, without damage to thecomponents of adjunct device 330.

While not expressly shown, the adjunct device 330 includes one or moreother ports to provide user access to the headphone jack, power button,speaker and microphone of the iPhone, iPod or iTouch device. While theadjunct device 330 is shown as a case for an Apple iPhone, iPod oriTouch device, similar adjunct devices are possible for use with otherhandheld wireless communication devices and handheld devices inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 36 presents a pictorial representation of a front view of awireless device 325 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentdisclosure. In particular, a wireless device 325, such as wirelessdevice 120, 122 or 123, includes a keychain hole 328. In addition,wireless device 325 includes audio emitter 322, LED 326 and pushbutton324 that are included in user interface 132. Infrared port 320 iscoupled to an infrared wireless transceiver, such as short-rangewireless transceiver 130′. While not shown, the wireless device 325includes a back connector interface for connection to an externalcharger for charging an internal rechargeable battery.

As previously discussed, the wireless device 325 can be implementedusing a ZigBee short-range wireless transceiver that operates inconjunction with the RF4CE standard. When the button is pressed andreleased on a wireless device 325, a broadcast message will be sent toall devices in its paging network. Paging commands can use the NLDE-Datarequest primitive as described in section 3.1.1.1 of the RF4CEspecification with the TxOptions: Broadcast, IEEE Address, Acknowledged,Security on, Single Channel, Specify. A broadcast message can optionallybe sent from the adjunct 330 as well, or specific items can be paged. Ifspecific items are targeted, then the PairingRef field is specified, and“broadcast” in the TxOptions field is not enabled. The remainder of thedata service messaging can proceed as specified in section 3.1.1 of theRF4CE specification.

The wireless device 325 can be paired with similar devices as well asadjunct device 100, 100′, 101, 103 or 330 as set forth in the RF4CEstandard. Two such wireless devices 325 can implement a pairingprocedure that includes, for instance, pressing and holding down thepushbutton 324 or some other button, such as a small recessed button ofboth devices for at least four seconds. When they are paired with eachother, they will both chirp twice via sound emitter 322 and the LED 326will stop flashing. Pairing can be cleared by pressing and holding thepushbutton for 8 seconds. Clearing can be acknowledged by a single chirpvia sound emitter 322 and the flashing of LED 326. Other compatibledevices can be configured for pairing or cleared in a similar fashion,however, the user interface of handheld wireless communication device110 can optionally be used to assist the pairing process.

In operation, when the pushbutton on one unit is depressed, all theother units in the same paging network can emit a loud alarm via audioemitter 322, flash a light such as LED 326, etc. In one example ofoperation, a user may purchase a wireless device 325 that he puts on hiskey ring and one in his wallet. If the user misplaces his wallet but hashis keys in his pocket, he simply pages his wallet using the key ringwireless device 325, or vice versa. A very forgetful person may buy onemore wireless device 325, so he had two for the keys and the wallet andone more stuck on the wall next his bed. If both the keys and wallet arelost he pushes the wireless device 325 next to his bed and the buzzersounds on both items.

In a further example, a mother of five children in a supermarket may putone wireless device 325 in the pocket of each child to retrieve themshould they wander off. Wireless device 325 can be programmed to sendsignals such as periodic beacons or polling signals to determine if allother wireless devices 325 are present in the network. In this fashion,a wireless device 325 can be programmed to sound an alarm if a childwanders outside of a certain range, based on lack of a response to apoll, low signal power, etc. As previously discussed, the adjunct device330 can operate as a wireless device 325 in any of the examplesdiscussed above.

As discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 20-23, wireless device 325 canrespond to wireless commands from an adjunct device 330, to relayinfrared commands to other wireless device 325 of other devices to becontrolled. So, a user can tape a tag on the inside door of a homeentertainment system and control that system from places that are notpossible with standard infrared remotes. The system can be used tocontrol multiple TVs or entertainment centers within the same home oracross multiple sites based on a user selected group of devices and/orselected tasks including complex tasks based on, for example, GPSposition information, time of day, compass direction, distance and otherparameters.

As discussed in conjunction with FIGS. 24-27, a user can replace theirexisting garage door opener button with a wireless device 325 andcontrol their garage door from their handheld wireless communicationdevice via an adjunct device 330. Since many smartphones have GPS, thiswould allow intelligent handheld wireless communication deviceapplications such as automatically opening the garage door as the userdrives up. Home lighting can be similarly controlled, where the lightsin the house automatically turn off if there is no wireless device 325or adjunct 330 present in the home.

As previously discussed a wireless device 325 will be able to functionas both a pager and IR relay device at the same time. The networktopology for IR Relay devices is slightly different, however. Where thepaging function was performed among peers, IR relay can operate based ona master-slave relationship between the adjunct device 330 and thewireless device 325. Multiple adjunct devices 330 can control a singlewireless device 325 and one adjunct device 330 can control many wirelessdevices 325.

In an example of operation, three wireless devices 325 are set up invarious places for IR relay, one in front of the TV, one inside acabinet in front of the DVD and VCR, and a third on the other side ofthe room where the CD player sits. Each has its own network for IRrelay. Both Mom's iPhone and the teenager's iPhone (via correspondingadjunct devices 330) can control all three devices. The adjunct devices330 can initiate data delivery.

To save power, wireless devices 325 may only be awake a small percentageof the time during in a standby mode of operation. For example, awireless device 325 may typically be awake to transmit and receive asmall amount of time every two or more seconds while waiting for acommand. The wireless devices 325 can switch itself to an active statewhen a command or other signaling is received from another device. Forinstance, following the example discussed above, the adjunct device 330can send to the target wireless devices 325 the RX-ENABLE.request signalfor a reasonable active period such as 5 seconds, to wake up the deviceand keep it awake for a period of time. After that, the adjunct device330 can transmit codes such as commands and other control data.

FIG. 37 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a method ispresented for use in conjunction with one or more functions and featuresdescribed in FIGS. 1-36. In step 400, data is generated to present fordisplay on a handheld wireless communication device a graphical userinterface that receives an indication of a user to locate at least onepersonal object and that generates a location signal in responsethereto. In step 402, the location signal is communicated to an adjunctdevice via the communication port of the handheld wireless communicationdevice to cause the adjunct device to transmit an RF paging signal to atleast one remote wireless device via a short-range wireless transceiverof the adjunct device.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the at least one personalobject includes a plurality of personal objects and the at least oneremote wireless device includes a plurality of remote wireless devices.The graphical user interface can include a menu that indicates theplurality of personal objects. The indication of the user to locate theat least one personal object can include a selected one of the pluralityof personal objects. The location signals can indicate a correspondingone of the plurality of remote wireless devices.

The method can also include a pairing procedure for pairing the adjunctdevice with the plurality of remote wireless devices. The pairingprocedure can generate a list that identifies the plurality of remotedevices and the plurality of personal objects. The menu that indicatesthe plurality of personal objects can be generated based on the list.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure the remote device cangenerate a location signal in response to the paging signal. The adjunctdevice can include a directional antenna, coupled to the short-rangewireless receiver. The short-range wireless receiver of the adjunctdevice can generate a signal strength in response to the locationsignal. The homing application can further include receiving the signalstrength via the communication port and the graphical user interface canfurther generate a signal strength indication to the user. Thedirectional antenna can have a reception pattern that includes a null.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a time of flight can be usedinstead of or in addition to signal strength to determine the distanceto a remote device. In particular, the time can be measured from thetransmission of the paging signal to the reception of the locationsignal. This time delay (round trip flight time) can indicate thedistance to the remote device. The time delay, T_(d), can be representedas follows:

T _(d) =T _(f1) +T _(f2) +T _(p)

where, T_(p) represents the processing time to generate the locationsignal in response to the paging signal and to recognize the locationsignal, T_(f1) represents the flight time for the paging signal totravel to the remote device and T_(f2) represents the flight time forthe location signal to travel from the remote device to the adjunctdevice. Considering the processing time T_(p) to be fixed, the distanceto a remote device, D_(ft), can be approximated based on the following:

D _(ft) =C(T _(f))=c(T _(d) −T _(p))

where is c is a proportionality constant that is based on the speed oflight in air and T_(f)=(T_(f1)+T_(f2)).

It should be noted that signal strength and flight time and both beconsidered in estimating the distance to a remote device. Consider forexample, a distance measurement can be expressed as a function ƒ ofsignal strength, D_(ss), as follows:

D _(ss)=ƒ(RSSI)

where RSSI is a received signal strength indication. A final distancemeasurement D can be determined based on either:

D=g(D _(ft) ,D _(ss)) or

D=h(T _(f),RSSI)

where g and h are either linear or nonlinear functions. For example,distance can be calculated both ways and averaged to determine a morerefined measurement. In a further example, the difference between thetwo measurements can be used to determine a relative accuracy of thedistance estimate.

It should be noted that he functions g or h can be generated todetermine distance differently under different conditions. For example,for longer distances determined for instance by either a value of T_(f)that is above a high flight time threshold and/or a RSSI below a lowsignal strength threshold, the distance D can be estimated eitherexclusively based on either T_(f) or D_(ft) or by predominatelyweighting the values of T_(f) or D_(ft) in combination with D_(ft) orRSSI. Further, for midrange distances determined for instance by eithera value of T_(f) that is below a high flight time threshold, but above alow flight time threshold and/or a RSSI above a low signal strengththreshold and below a high signal strength threshold, the distance D canbe estimated based on a more equal weighting of the values of T_(f) orD_(ft) in combination with D_(ft) or RSSI. In addition, for shorterdistances determined for instance by either a value of T_(f) that isbelow a low flight time threshold and/or a RSSI above a high signalstrength threshold, the distance D can be estimated either exclusivelybased on either D_(ft) or RSSI or by predominately weighting the valuesof D_(ft) or RSSI in combination with T_(f) or D_(ft). In this fashion,greater importance can be attributed to high values of RSSI and/orT_(f).

FIG. 38 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a method ispresented for use in conjunction with one or more functions and featuresdescribed in FIGS. 1-37. In step 410, data is generated to present fordisplay on the handheld wireless communication device a graphical userinterface that receives an indication of a user to control at least onehome device and that generates a control signal in response thereto. Instep 412, the control signal is communicated to an adjunct device viathe communication port of a handheld wireless communication device tocause the adjunct device to transmit a wireless signal to at least onewireless interface via a short-range wireless transmitter of the adjunctdevice.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the home devices can includea plurality of home devices, each of the plurality of home deviceshaving a wireless interface. The graphical user interface can include amenu that indicates the plurality of home devices and the indication ofthe user to control the home device can include a selected one of theplurality of home device. The control signal can indicate acorresponding one of the plurality of home devices.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the remote controlapplication further includes a pairing procedure for pairing the adjunctdevice with the plurality of home devices. The pairing procedure cangenerate a list that identifies the plurality of home devices and themenu that indicates the plurality of home devices can be generated,based on the list. Home devices can include a home automation device ora home media device. The short-range wireless transmitter can include aninfrared transmitter.

FIG. 39 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a method ispresented for use in conjunction with one or more functions and featuresdescribed in FIGS. 1-38. In step 420, a 911 signal generated by anadjunct device is received via a communication port of the handheldwireless communication device. In step 422, a 911 call is initiated viathe wireless telephony transceiver in response to the 911 signal. Asdiscussed in conjunction with FIG. 28, the emergency call can includelocation information, such as GPS coordinates or other positioninformation that is relayed to a monitoring service, or a 911 callcenter to facilitate the location of the handheld wireless communicationdevice 110 that initiated the emergency call.

FIG. 40 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a method ispresented for use in conjunction with one or more functions and featuresdescribed in FIGS. 1-39. In step 430, a plurality of paging devices arepaired to form a paging network, the plurality of paging devicesincluding a plurality of fixed paging devices and the mobile pagingdevice. In step 432, a paging signal is transmitted to the plurality ofpaging devices via a short-range wireless transmitter. In step 434,location information is received via a short-range wireless receiverpertaining to the mobile paging device from at least one of theplurality of fixed paging devices. In step 436, a location of the mobilepaging device is determined based on the location information.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location informationincludes directional and distance information between the at least oneof the plurality of fixed devices to the at least one mobile device andwherein determining the location of the at least one mobile deviceincludes a triangulation of the directional information. The method canfurther include receiving a location signal, at the at least one of theplurality of fixed paging devices; scanning a programmable antenna inthe at least one of the plurality of fixed paging devices to determinesignal strengths corresponding to a plurality of null directions;determining a lowest of the signal strengths; and determining thedirectional information based on the one of the plurality of nulldirections corresponding to the lowest of the signal strengths. In thismethod, the paging signal can be transmitted via a handheld wirelesscommunication device or via an adjunct device coupled to a handheldwireless communication device or other device.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the location informationincludes signal strength information and step 436 includes: determiningthe at least one of the plurality of fixed devices having the greatestsignal strength; and determining a proximity to the at least one of theplurality of fixed devices having the greatest signal strength.

As previously discussed, distance can be determined based on a time offlight methodology that looks to round trip signal delay to determine ameasure of distance to a remote device.

While the description above has set forth several different modes ofoperation, the devices described here may simultaneously be in two ormore of these modes, unless, by their nature, these modes necessarilycannot be implemented simultaneously. While the foregoing descriptionincludes the description of many different embodiments andimplementations, the functions and features of these implementations andembodiments can be combined in additional embodiments of the presentdisclosure not expressly disclosed by any single implementation orembodiment, yet nevertheless understood by one skilled in the art whenpresented this disclosure.

FIG. 41 presents a block diagram representation of wireless device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular awireless device 500 is presented, such as any of the wireless device100, 120 and 300, etc. previously described. As previously discussed,the generation of location signals between devices can be used todetermine if two devices are in proximity to one another.

For example, multiple devices can be associated with different peopleand the location signals received by a wireless device from otherwireless devices can be used to indicate which of these devices andassociate people are present at a particular location.

In this fashion, wireless device 500 can determine which people ordevices are in its proximity, or not in its proximity.

In the embodiment shown, the wireless device 500 includes a processor502, memory 504, user interface 506 and short-range wireless transceiver508. In operation, the user interface 506 generates a pairing signal inresponse to an indication from a user to associate the wireless devicewith a plurality of mobile communication devices in proximity to thewireless device. A short-range wireless transceiver 508 is configured tocommunicate RF signals, in response to the pairing signal from the user,including a beacon signal to identify the wireless device 500 and tofacilitate the association of the wireless device 500 with the mobilecommunication devices in proximity to the wireless device 500 such astablet computer 510, personal computer 512, wireless phone 514, smartwatch or other wearable communication device 516. For example, themobile communication devices can include at least one first mobilecommunication device operating via a first operating system such asApple iOS, and at least one second mobile communication device operatingvia a second operating system such as an Android or Windows operatingsystem. The short range wireless transceiver can communicate via anetwork 525 in accordance with a Bluetooth protocol, a Zigbee protocol,an 802.11 protocol or other wireless communication protocol. Each of themobile communication devices includes its own processor and memory and acorresponding short range wireless transceiver that allows the mobilecommunication device to communicate with the wireless device 500.

The processor of each mobile communications device executes anapplication that facilitates location of the corresponding mobilecommunication device by the wireless device 500. For example, theapplication can be downloaded to a memory of each corresponding mobilecommunication device in response to actions of a corresponding user. Thewireless device 500 receives location signals from the mobilecommunication devices in proximity via the short range wirelesstransceiver 508. The processor 502 analyzes the location signals fromthe mobile communication devices to determine that a person associatedeach corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devicesis in proximity to the wireless device 500. In various embodiments, theshort-range wireless transceiver 508 periodically transmits the beaconsignal and receives the location signals and the processor 502periodically updates the persons in proximity to the wireless device inresponse thereto.

In one example of operation, the processor 502 executes a classroomattendance application used by an instructor of a class to determineand/or store attendance data indicating attendance in a classroom bystudents associated with the mobile communication devices. The network525 can include a local area network, personal area network, theInternet or other public network, a wireless network associated with aneducational institution such as a public school, college, university,trade school or other classroom environment, a telecommunicationsnetwork or other communication network. The processor 502 executes theclassroom attendance application to operate in conjunction with theshort-range wireless transceiver 508 to communicate RF signals includinga beacon signal to identify the wireless device 500 and to facilitatethe association of the wireless device 500 with the mobile communicationdevices in proximity to the wireless device 500. Each of the mobilecommunication devices includes a mobile communication device processorthat executes a student application, downloaded from an app storeassociated with the operating system of the corresponding mobilecommunication device, that facilitates location of the corresponding oneof the mobile communication devices. The memory 504 stores attendancedata indicating that a student associated each corresponding one of theplurality of mobile communication devices is in a classroom associatedwith the wireless device 500.

In various embodiments, the short-range wireless transceiver 508periodically transmits the beacon signal and receives the locationsignals and the attendance data reflects periodic updates to theparticular students in the classroom to indicate the students inattendance during a class, students that were tardy, students that leavethe classroom during the class and/or students enrolled in the classthat are absent.

While in some embodiments, the wireless device 500 can operate togenerate and store the attendance data based on location signalsreceived from the mobile communication devices, in other cases, anattendance server can be coupled to network 525 to provide some or allof this functionality. For example, the beacon signal can include anidentification signal that identifies the classroom, a class and/or aninstructor. In one mode of operation, the mobile communication devicesreceive the beacon signal and communicate the identification signal toan attendance server 520 via the network 525. The attendance server 520generates the attendance data and sends the attendance data to thewireless device 500 via the network 525.

FIG. 42 presents a pictorial representation of wireless device inaccordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular,a further example of wireless device 500 is presented that operates viapersonal computer 602 and optionally via USB dongle device 602′. In onemode of operation, the USB dongle device 602′ can include the shortrange wireless transceiver 508 to communicate via network 525. In otherexamples however, the short range wireless transceiver 508 can bedirectly incorporated into the personal computer 602.

In a further mode or operation, insertion of the USB dongle device 602′in a USB port of the personal computer 602 causes the processor of thepersonal computer 602 to launch the classroom attendance application andbegin the process of determining attendance. In this example, theclassroom attendance application can be stored in a memory of the USBdingle device 602′ or stored in a memory of the personal computer 602.

In addition or in the alternative, the personal computer can operate asa classroom attendance device that includes an image capture device 604such as a still or video camera, infrared camera or imaging device,charge-coupled imaging device or other device configured to capture animage of a classroom and to either trigger the classroom attendanceapplication to update a record indicating the students in the classroombased on location data received via the short range wireless transceiveror to otherwise facilitate the personal computer to identify thestudents and/or other persons that are present in the classroom. Forexample, a memory of the personal computer 602 or USB dongle device 602′can store a classroom attendance application that is executed by aprocessor of the personal computer 602. In operation, the classroomattendance application operates in conjunction with the image capturedevice 604 to capture a first image of a classroom in conjunction with aclass; to analyze the first image of the classroom to identify aplurality of students and other persons in the classroom; and togenerate attendance data indicating the plurality of students in theclassroom in conjunction with the class.

In various embodiments, the classroom attendance application operates inconjunction with the image capture device 604 to capture a plurality ofsecond images of a classroom in conjunction with the class, to analyzethe plurality of second images of the classroom to identify ones of theplurality of students that enter and leave the classroom during theclass, and generate the attendance data to indicate the ones of theplurality of students that enter and leave the classroom during theclass.

For example, the memory of the personal computer 602 or USB dongledevice 602′ receives and stores a plurality of image data correspondingto faces of the students enrolled in the class. The student image datacan be received from an attendance server that stores student records,can be received by the students when they enroll in the class, can becaptured by the students using image capture devices associated with themobile communication devices and communicated to the personal computer602 via the network 525 or received from other sources. The classroomattendance application analyzes the first image of the classroom toidentify the plurality of students in the classroom using facialrecognition to compare faces of the plurality of students in theclassroom to the image data corresponding to the faces of the pluralityof students enrolled in the class. The classroom attendance applicationcan further analyze the first image of the classroom to identify aperson or persons in the classroom that is/are not enrolled in theclass.

While described above in terms of attendance, the personal computer 602can perform other classroom functions as well, such as facilitating apresentation to the class, polling the class for answers to questions,recording quiz results for individual students of the class, providingcumulative scores for the class for presentation to the class,identifying students that are participating in class or notparticipating in class based on an analysis of image data, providingimages that can be used by campus security to identify and respond topublic safety risks, class disruptions and other security hazards, andother functions.

FIG. 43 presents a diagram of classroom in accordance with an embodimentof the present disclosure. In particular, a schematic view of classroom625 is shown with personal computer capturing image data of theclassroom over a field of view 612. In this fashion, an instructor of aclass in the classroom 625 can set up the personal computer 602 andlaunch a classroom attendance application to facilitate an attendancereport for the class that indicates students that are present andabsent, tardy or who leave class early, and persons that are present butnot enrolled in the class, and to perform other classroom functions aswell.

FIG. 44 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-43. Step 700 includes communicating RF signalsincluding a beacon signal to identify the wireless device and tofacilitate the association of the wireless device with the plurality ofmobile communication devices in proximity to the wireless device,wherein each corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communicationdevices includes a mobile communication device processor that executes astudent application, downloaded from an app store associated with theoperating system of the corresponding one of the plurality of mobilecommunication devices that facilitates location of the corresponding oneof the plurality of mobile communication devices. Step 702 includesstoring attendance data indicating that a student associated eachcorresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices is ina classroom associated with the wireless device.

FIG. 45 presents a flowchart representation of a method in accordancewith an embodiment of the present disclosure. In particular, a method ispresented for use with one or more functions and features described inconjunction with FIGS. 1-44. Step 710 includes capturing a first imageof a classroom in conjunction with a class. Step 712 includes analyzethe first image of the classroom to identify a plurality of students inthe classroom. Step 714 includes generating attendance data indicatingthe plurality of students in the classroom in conjunction with theclass.

It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream,stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been usedinterchangeably to describe digital information whose contentcorresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video,speech, audio, etc. any of which may generally be referred to as‘data’).

As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately”provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding termand/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted toleranceranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to,but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit processvariations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermalnoise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a fewpercent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, theterm(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or“coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirectcoupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes,but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or amodule) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening itemdoes not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its currentlevel, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein,inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another elementby inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items inthe same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, theterm “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupledto” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections,input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more itscorresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to oneor more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term“associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separateitems and/or one item being embedded within another item.

As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desiredrelationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may beachieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As maybe used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that acomparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to providethe desired relationship.

As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processingcircuit”, “processor”, and/or “processing unit” may be a singleprocessing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such aprocessing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digitalsignal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, fieldprogrammable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logiccircuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device thatmanipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of thecircuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module,module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be, or furtherinclude, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be asingle memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embeddedcircuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory,random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, staticmemory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any devicethat stores digital information. Note that if the processing module,module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more thanone processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located(e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless busstructure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing viaindirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network).Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit,and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via astate machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logiccircuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the correspondingoperational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, thecircuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digitalcircuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memoryelement may store, and the processing module, module, processingcircuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operationalinstructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/orfunctions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memorydevice or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.

One or more embodiments have been described above with the aid of methodsteps illustrating the performance of specified functions andrelationships thereof. The boundaries and sequence of these functionalbuilding blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined hereinfor convenience of description. Alternate boundaries and sequences canbe defined so long as the specified functions and relationships areappropriately performed. Any such alternate boundaries or sequences arethus within the scope and spirit of the claims. Further, the boundariesof these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined forconvenience of description. Alternate boundaries could be defined aslong as the certain significant functions are appropriately performed.Similarly, flow diagram blocks may also have been arbitrarily definedherein to illustrate certain significant functionality.

To the extent used, the flow diagram block boundaries and sequence couldhave been defined otherwise and still perform the certain significantfunctionality. Such alternate definitions of both functional buildingblocks and flow diagram blocks and sequences are thus within the scopeand spirit of the claims. One of average skill in the art will alsorecognize that the functional building blocks, and other illustrativeblocks, modules and components herein, can be implemented as illustratedor by discrete components, application specific integrated circuits,processors executing appropriate software and the like or anycombination thereof.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or moreaspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or moreexamples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article ofmanufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more ofthe aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with referenceto one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figureto figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly namedfunctions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or differentreference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. maybe the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or differentones.

Unless specifically stated to the contra, signals to, from, and/orbetween elements in a figure of any of the figures presented herein maybe analog or digital, continuous time or discrete time, and single-endedor differential. For instance, if a signal path is shown as asingle-ended path, it also represents a differential signal path.Similarly, if a signal path is shown as a differential path, it alsorepresents a single-ended signal path. While one or more particulararchitectures are described herein, other architectures can likewise beimplemented that use one or more data buses not expressly shown, directconnectivity between elements, and/or indirect coupling between otherelements as recognized by one of average skill in the art.

The term “module” is used in the description of one or more of theembodiments. A module implements one or more functions via a device suchas a processor or other processing device or other hardware that mayinclude or operate in association with a memory that stores operationalinstructions. A module may operate independently and/or in conjunctionwith software and/or firmware. As also used herein, a module may containone or more sub-modules, each of which may be one or more modules.

While particular combinations of various functions and features of theone or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, othercombinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. Thepresent disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosedherein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wireless device comprising: a user interfacethat generates a pairing signal in response to an indication from a userto associate the wireless device with a plurality of mobilecommunication devices in proximity to the wireless device; a short-rangewireless transceiver, coupled to the user interface, configured to:communicate first RF signals, in response to the pairing signal,including a beacon signal to identify the wireless device and tofacilitate an association of the wireless device with the plurality ofmobile communication devices in proximity to the wireless device,wherein each corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communicationdevices includes a mobile communication device processor configured toexecute an application, wherein the application causes eachcorresponding one of the mobile communication devices to generatelocation signals that facilitate location, by the wireless device, ofeach corresponding one of the plurality of mobile communication devices;receive second RF signals from the plurality of mobile communicationdevices in proximity to the wireless device; and a wireless deviceprocessor, coupled to the short-range wireless transceiver and the userinterface, that analyzes the second RF signals from the plurality ofmobile communication devices to associate persons corresponding to theplurality of mobile communication devices as being in proximity to thewireless device.
 2. The wireless device of claim 1 wherein theapplication is downloaded to a memory of the corresponding one of theplurality of mobile communication devices in response to actions of acorresponding user of the corresponding one of the plurality of mobilecommunication devices.
 3. The wireless device of claim 1 wherein theshort-range wireless transceiver periodically transmits the beaconsignal and receives the second RF signals and wherein the wirelessdevice processor periodically updates the persons in proximity to thewireless device in response thereto.
 4. The wireless device of claim 1wherein the plurality of mobile communication devices include aplurality of mobile phones.
 5. The wireless device of claim 1 whereinthe short-range wireless transceiver operates in accordance with atleast one of: a Bluetooth protocol, a Zigbee protocol or an 802.11protocol.
 6. The wireless device of claim 1 wherein the wireless deviceprocessor executes a classroom attendance application, the personsassociated with the plurality of mobile communication devices arestudents and the proximity to the wireless device includes a classroom.7. The wireless device of claim 1 wherein the plurality of mobilecommunication devices include at least one first mobile communicationdevice operating via a first operating system and at least one secondmobile communication device operating via a second operating system. 8.A wireless device comprising: a short-range wireless transceiver; amemory that stores a classroom attendance application; a wireless deviceprocessor, coupled to the short-range wireless transceiver and thememory, that executes the classroom attendance application to: operatein conjunction with the short-range wireless transceiver to communicatefirst RF signals including a beacon signal to identify the wirelessdevice and to facilitate an association of the wireless device with aplurality of mobile communication devices in proximity to the wirelessdevice, wherein each corresponding one of the plurality of mobilecommunication devices includes a mobile communication device processorconfigured to execute a student application, wherein the studentapplication causes each corresponding one of the mobile communicationdevices to generate location signals that facilitate location, by thewireless device, of each corresponding one of the plurality of mobilecommunication devices; and store attendance data indicating that astudent associated each corresponding one of the plurality of mobilecommunication devices is in a classroom associated with the wirelessdevice.
 9. The wireless device of claim 8 wherein the short-rangewireless transceiver periodically transmits the beacon signal and thewireless device processor receives second RF signals and wherein theattendance data reflects periodic updates to the students in theclassroom.
 10. The wireless device of claim 8 wherein the plurality ofmobile communication devices includes a plurality of mobile phones. 11.The wireless device of claim 8 wherein the short-range wirelesstransceiver operates in accordance with at least one of: a Bluetoothprotocol, a Zigbee protocol or an 802.11 protocol.
 12. The wirelessdevice of claim 8 wherein the beacon signal includes an identificationsignal that identifies at least one of: the classroom, a class, or aninstructor.
 13. The wireless device of claim 12 wherein the plurality ofmobile communication devices communicate the identification signal to anattendance server via a network, a wherein the attendance servergenerates the attendance data and sends the attendance data to thewireless device via the network.
 14. The wireless device of claim 13wherein the network includes the Internet.
 15. The wireless device ofclaim 8 wherein the wireless device includes a personal computer and auniversal serial bus (USB) dongle device, and wherein insertion of theUSB dongle device in a USB port of the personal computer causes thewireless device processor to launch the classroom attendanceapplication.
 16. A wireless device comprising: a user interface thatgenerates a pairing signal in response to an indication from a user toassociate the wireless device with a plurality of mobile communicationdevices in proximity to the wireless device; a short-range wirelesstransceiver, coupled to the user interface, configured to: communicatefirst RF signals, in response to the pairing signal, including a beaconsignal to identify the wireless device and to facilitate an associationof the wireless device with the plurality of mobile communicationdevices in proximity to the wireless device, wherein each correspondingone of the plurality of mobile communication devices includes a mobilecommunication device processor configured to execute an application,wherein the application causes each corresponding one of the mobilecommunication devices to generate location signals that facilitatelocation, by the wireless device, of each corresponding one of theplurality of mobile communication devices; receive second RF signalsfrom the plurality of mobile communication devices in proximity to thewireless device; and a wireless device processor, coupled to theshort-range wireless transceiver and the user interface, that analyzesthe second RF signals from the plurality of mobile communication devicesto associate the plurality of mobile communication devices as being inproximity to the wireless device.
 17. The wireless device of claim 16wherein the application is downloaded to a memory of the correspondingone of the plurality of mobile communication devices in response toactions of a corresponding user of the corresponding one of theplurality of mobile communication devices.
 18. The wireless device ofclaim 16 wherein the short-range wireless transceiver periodicallytransmits the beacon signal and receives the second RF signals andwherein the wireless device processor periodically updates the pluralityof mobile communication devices in proximity to the wireless device inresponse thereto.
 19. The wireless device of claim 16 wherein theplurality of mobile communication devices include a plurality of mobilephones.
 20. The wireless device of claim 16 wherein the short-rangewireless transceiver operates in accordance with at least one of: aBluetooth protocol, a Zigbee protocol or an 802.11 protocol.